HI HB1917

Appropriates funds to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to hire staff, purchase equipment, and obtain professional services on behalf of the Public Land Trust Working Group established by Act 226 (2022).

The Working Group is tasked with completing a full inventory of all ceded lands in the public land trust, accounting for all income and proceeds, and determining OHA's 20% pro rata share of trust revenues due annually after June 30, 2022.

The Working Group estimates approximately $1,000,000 is needed to retain third-party independent consultants with financial, accounting, and land inventory expertise to verify the accuracy of current land and revenue tracking systems.

OHA would be exempt from the state procurement code (Chapter 103D) when obtaining services from uniquely qualified professionals for this work.

Effective date is July 1, 2026, with appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027 (specific dollar amount left blank in the bill).