HI HB1981

Expands the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) board of directors from five to seven voting members, adding the administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (or designee) and one member with expertise in sustainable planning and natural and cultural resource management.

Requires the Hawaii public land optimization plan to protect cultural practices, including traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights under article XII, section 7 of the state constitution.

Mandates that the PLDC prepare culturally-sensitive development plans for each project, including identification of cultural resources, assessment of project effects on cultural practices, and proposed mitigation measures.

Requires the PLDC to comply with existing laws governing alienation of public lands (sections 171-64.7 and 171-50) and to continue paying the Office of Hawaiian Affairs its pro rata share of public land trust revenues under Act 178, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006.

Requires the PLDC to consult with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to ensure corporation activities do not diminish traditional and customary rights of native Hawaiian descendants for subsistence, cultural, and religious purposes.