H.B. 81 Summary

• Amends the definition of "public lands" in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 171-2 to exclude lands set aside by the governor to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) for the primary purpose of developing affordable housing from DLNR management.

• Makes corresponding amendments to Section 171-64.7 to clarify that lands set aside by the governor to HHFDC for affordable housing purposes are not subject to the same regulatory provisions as other public lands.

• Requires that any HHFDC-held lands acquired from another government agency and no longer needed for housing, finance, and development purposes be returned to the public trust administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2021.