HB1529 Summary

• Establishes a nine-member commission appointed by the governor to prepare and maintain a roll of qualified Native Hawaiian constituents within 180 days of the commission's full composition.

• Defines "qualified Native Hawaiian constituent" as individuals with Native Hawaiian ancestry (lineal descent from aboriginal inhabitants on or before January 1, 1893, or eligible under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920) who are U.S. citizens age 18 or older and maintain significant cultural, social, or civic connection to the Native Hawaiian community.

• Establishes a process for qualified constituents to reorganize a Native Hawaiian first nation government, including holding referendums on governing documents, ratifying organic governing documents by majority vote, and electing government officers.

• Requires the governor to certify that organic governing documents establish voluntary membership, were adopted by majority vote, protect civil rights, and preserve rights of Hawaiian homestead residents under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

• Directs the State of Hawaii to recognize the first nation government as the sovereign governing body of Native Hawaiians and to enter into negotiations regarding transfer of lands, natural resources, and other assets; appropriates unspecified funds to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for implementation; effective July 1, 2050.