HI SCR156

Requests the Department of the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Legislature on litigation involving Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights and the State's public trust obligations under Articles XI and XII of the Hawaii Constitution.

Report must include summaries of pending and completed litigation involving alleged violations of Native Hawaiian rights and public trust duties in managing public lands, water resources, and other natural resources.

Requires assessment of whether challenged agency actions complied with constitutional protections and a description of any corrective actions or policy changes implemented by state agencies in response to court decisions.

Cites nine court cases from 2000 to 2025 where Hawaii courts rejected or corrected state agency positions on water rights, ceded lands management, and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner protections.

Annual report due no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each Regular Session of the Legislature.