HI HB491

Prohibits the State from issuing or extending leases of public lands to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is in arrears on payments owed to the State, including impact aid under Public Law 81-874 or reimbursement costs under compacts of free association.

Prohibits lease issuance or extension to lessees that are noncompliant with environmental maintenance or remediation orders, consent decrees, or memoranda of agreement, or have been found in violation of federal or state environmental protection laws.

Requires certification from the Office of the Governor that a lessee is in good standing with the State before any public lands lease or lease extension can be issued, with exceptions for Department of Transportation dispositions.

Provides a three-year grace period (or until lease end, whichever is sooner) for existing lessees found not in good standing to cure violations through payment of unpaid balances, environmental remediation, or completion of criminal penalties, or their leases will be terminated.

Takes effect July 1, 3000.