HI HB2395

Transfers all rights, powers, functions, and duties relating to homestead leases from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

Establishes new statutory provisions in Chapter 10, Hawaii Revised Statutes defining homestead lease rights, including certificate of occupation, freehold agreements, and nine hundred ninety-nine year leases.

Releases all public land subject to homestead leases from restrictions on alienation and forfeiture provisions imposed under federal law (Public Law 192, 1910 and Public Law 234, 1939).

Allows occupiers and lessees to obtain fee simple patents upon payment of fair market price if lands have been improved or used as residence for at least ten years; permits assignment of leases only to family members with OHA approval.

Creates a successor determination program under OHA to assist persons in determining legal interests in homestead leases through genealogy research, mediation, and binding/nonbinding arbitration services.