HB 324 Summary

• Establishes the South Kona Wilderness Area on Hawaii Island to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, encompassing approximately 9,238 acres across five sections (Honomalino, Okoe, Kapu'a, Kaulanamauna, and Manuka) to preserve archaeological sites, native Hawaiian plants and animals, and prevent development.

• Prohibits new construction within 1,000 feet of the shoreline on publicly-owned lands in the South Kona Wilderness Area, except for department management structures, repairs to existing structures, and one private dwelling per landowner if existing rules permit.

• Prevents land subdivision within the South Kona Wilderness Area and prohibits consolidating and resubdividing lots if it would increase the number of buildable lots.

• Authorizes the Legislature to designate contiguous geographical areas as historical districts for honorary purposes to recognize historical and cultural significance, without affecting land use, zoning, development, permitting, or building codes.

• Designates the Ewa plain in West Oahu as the Pearl Harbor-Honouliuli historical district, encompassing the area from Pearl Harbor to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Field, including the former Honouliuli Internment Camp.