HI HB2406

Dispositions of more than 1,000 acres of public lands to governments by the Board of Land and Natural Resources would require majority approval from both houses of the Hawaii Legislature.

The government seeking the land disposition must submit a resolution to the Legislature containing specific details including location, parcel size, appraised value, appraiser names, appraisal date, purpose, and development plans.

The resolution must also state whether the land was classified as government or crown lands before August 15, 1895, or was acquired in exchange for such lands.

A draft resolution must be submitted to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at least three months before the legislative session to allow OHA to verify the historical land classification.

The bill amends Section 171-95 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which governs disposition of public lands to governments, governmental agencies, public utilities, and renewable energy producers without public auction.