HI HB455

Appropriates general revenue funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to support Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission operations, restoration, and preservation efforts.

Appropriates funds for two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) permanent positions for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission, specifically to restore critical positions including Kahoolawe Island Reserve Specialist II and III roles that support safety, logistics, and on-island restoration projects.

Addresses funding gap created by depletion of the federal trust fund (approximately $44,000,000 distributed from 1994-2016) that previously sustained the commission's restoration programs.

Acknowledges management transfer to a sovereign native Hawaiian entity is anticipated by 2026 under section 6K-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and provides interim funding to maintain restoration accomplishments and operations until that transfer occurs.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.