HI HB705

Amends Section 204 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 to restrict general leases of Hawaiian Home Lands that were previously leased for agriculture and pasture purposes.

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to negotiate disposition of such lands and improvements solely to native Hawaiians or organizations and associations owned or controlled by native Hawaiians for agriculture and pasture purposes.

Allows negotiations with native Hawaiians to proceed before negotiations with the general public, following procedures in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 171.

Applies only to lands that have been traditionally leased under agriculture and pasture leases, not to lands leased for commercial, industrial, or other business purposes.

Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to rights, duties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.