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HI HR169

Resolution

Status

Passed

4/9/2026

Primary Sponsor

Mahina Poepoe

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • The ʻAha Moku Advisory Committee, established in 2012 to advise the State on Native Hawaiian traditional resource management practices, receives approximately $286,300 annually through the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

  • The Committee has not held a publicly noticed meeting for more than five years, raising concerns about compliance with Hawaii's Sunshine Law and its ability to oversee its Executive Director.

  • The Executive Director has acknowledged the Committee does not follow its Rules of Practice and Procedure adopted on October 20, 2016, with no public record of those rules being formally repealed or amended.

  • The resolution urges the Committee to resume regular public meetings, conduct a formal performance review of its Executive Director, and ensure advisory positions are only issued through properly noticed Sunshine Law-compliant meetings.

  • The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources is requested to exercise oversight to ensure the Committee fulfills its statutory duties and operates in compliance with applicable legal requirements.

Legislative Description

Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Including Complying With The Sunshine Law, Conduct A Performance Review Of Its Executive Director, And Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Financial Audit Of The aha Moku Advisory Committee.

Auditor

Last Action

Resolution adopted in final form.

4/9/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs4/2/2026
Water & Land3/18/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available