HI HB1501

Appropriates $260,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2019-2020 to acquire all landholdings of Molokai Properties Limited and GL Limited on the island of Molokai.

Requires all lands acquired under this act to be held in trust as part of the public land trust for the betterment of native Hawaiians.

Addresses April 2008 closure of Molokai Ranch operations that resulted in 120 job losses and restricted public access to approximately one-third of Molokai island for gathering, hunting, and fishing.

Recognizes that acquired lands contain numerous sites of historical and cultural value including heiau, ceremonial sites, ancient taro loi, and Hawaiian fishponds.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.