HI HB2117

Establishes a Makua Valley task force within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prepare for the transition of the Makua military reservation from the United States Army upon expiration of General Lease No. S-3848 on August 16, 2029.

Task force composition includes the board of land and natural resources chairperson (or designee), an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board trustee (or designee), and invited members representing the legislature, evicted families, the aha moku advisory committee, three non-profit organizations with Makua valley expertise, and native Hawaiian organizations.

Task force shall negotiate with the United States Army regarding expedient return of the Makua valley reserve, clean-up of unexploded ordnance, and expansion of cultural access opportunities.

Task force shall develop plans to transfer the lands to the State to be held in public land trust, with eventual management and control transferred to a recognized sovereign native Hawaiian entity.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 regular session and shall cease operations six months after August 16, 2029.