HI HB2309

Expands the list of eligible relatives for Hawaiian homestead lease transfers and succession to include sibling's children (nieces and nephews who are at least one-quarter Hawaiian), adding them alongside spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Updates terminology throughout the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, replacing gendered terms like "husband, wife" with "spouse," "brothers or sisters" with "siblings," and "widows or widowers" with "surviving spouses."

Establishes a revised succession hierarchy when a lessee dies without designating a successor: spouse first, then children, grandchildren, siblings, sibling's children, and finally native Hawaiian relatives including parents and surviving spouses of children or siblings.

Requires U.S. Department of the Interior notification or Congressional approval before sections amending the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act take effect, pursuant to federal regulations governing amendments to the Act.

Sets an effective date of July 1, 3000, subject to federal approval requirements under 43 CFR Part 48.