SB 2919 Summary

• Establishes a pilot program allowing the Board of Education to lease up to 5 public library land sites, with no more than 3 sites actually leased, for terms up to 55 years to generate revenue for library facilities.

• Lessees must maintain and operate facilities to meet the public library mission, pay property taxes on improvements, and may retain revenues generated; leasehold premiums charged through competitive process must comply with Hawaii procurement law.

• Creates the library facilities fund to receive all proceeds from leases, permits, interest income, and other revenues from public library land dispositions, with funds designated for state library programs.

• Requires the Board of Education to submit annual reports to the legislature beginning in 2020 including project timelines, completion estimates, community engagement summaries, budget information, and challenges encountered.

• Any redevelopment involving non-library purposes must comply with county zoning codes and ordinances, and all lease agreements must be fully executed no later than July 1, 2028; Act takes effect July 1, 2018.