Relating To Interim Administrative Rules Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.
By streamlining the rulemaking process, the bill is intended to reduce delays in implementing administrative rules that are critical for the department’s operations. The interim rules will remain effective for a maximum of 18 months, giving the DHHL sufficient time to develop permanent rules through the standard rulemaking process as outlined under Chapter 91 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. This change is seen as a means to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the DHHL's regulatory responsibilities, particularly in addressing the needs of Hawaiian home lands beneficiaries.
House Bill 1057 aims to modify the operational framework of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) by allowing it to issue interim administrative rules that can bypass certain procedural requirements. Specifically, the bill enables the DHHL to implement interim rules without the necessity of public notice, public hearings, or gubernatorial approval, provided that beneficiary consultations are conducted. This allows the DHHL to act more swiftly in implementing necessary regulations for Hawaiian beneficiaries, facilitating a more responsive governance structure.
While the bill aims to expedite the rulemaking process, it raises concerns regarding the potential reduction in public engagement and oversight. Critics might see the exemption from public notice and hearings as a diminishing of transparency and accountability within the rulemaking practices of the DHHL. The need for beneficiary consultation remains essential, but the lack of broader public input could lead to decisions that do not fully consider the perspectives of the wider community affected by these rules.