HI HB697

Establishes a Makua Valley Task Force within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prepare for transition of the Makua military reservation management from the United States Army when General Lease No. S-3848 expires on August 16, 2029.

Task force membership includes the DLNR board chairperson, an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board trustee, a legislative representative, evicted families' representative, Aha Moku Advisory Committee representative, three nonprofit organization representatives with Makua valley expertise, a native Hawaiian organization representative, and an invited U.S. Army Pacific commanding officer.

Task force shall negotiate with the U.S. Army regarding expedited return of the valley, cleanup of unexploded ordnance, and expanded cultural access opportunities.

Directs the state to hold the Makua lands in a public land trust and transfer management to a recognized sovereign native Hawaiian entity upon federal and state recognition.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by twenty days before the 2024 regular session convening and shall cease operations six months after the lease expires.