HI SB3003

Establishes the County of Niihau as a separate county consisting of the islands of Niihau, Kaula, and Lehua, placed under the jurisdiction and control of the Department of Land and Natural Resources rather than the County of Kauai.

Transfers all functions, powers, and duties of the County of Kauai relating to Niihau, Kaula, and Lehua to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, except for real property taxation which remains with Kauai County.

Creates a sheriff position as the only county officer in Niihau, appointed and compensated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with authority to appoint police officers as authorized.

Establishes a temporary working group composed of five members (including three Niihau residents appointed by the island's owners) to analyze issues surrounding the county's establishment and report findings to the legislature by twenty days before the 2015 regular session.

Takes effect July 1, 2020, and transfers all County of Kauai employees, appropriations, records, equipment, and contracts related to Niihau while preserving employee civil service status and benefits.