Honolulu. The House Hawaiian Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 1677 SD1, pertaining to the sale of “ceded” and public lands. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature to sell or exchange certain public lands.
“Although I support, and this Committee supported, a full moratorium of the sale and transfer of ‘ceded lands,’ I’d like to keep SB1677 SD1 alive for the purpose of having a vehicle to work with in furthering the discussion,” said Rep. Mele Carroll, Chairwoman of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee. “I do know that there is another vehicle, SB1085 SD1, which is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and we anticipate will crossover to the House, which has language for a full moratorium for 5 years. My hope is that we will have another opportunity to visit and work on language for full moratorium legislation affirming the ruling of the Hawai‘i State Supreme Court.”
Under SB1677 SD1, the selling or exchange of “ceded lands” would require the adoption of a concurrent resolution by two-thirds majority vote of each house in the Legislature.
“We need to keep our options open, especially since this Committee passed out four bills (HB1667, HB1805, HB1841, HB902), which addresses the issue of a moratorium on the sale and transfer of the ‘ceded lands,’” Rep. Mele Carroll said. “These bills were stalled in the WLO Committee at the direction of the House Leadership. We may not be able to get the votes in the House on a full moratorium. Therefore, I feel it is necessary to have a measure move forward that offers a compromise as well, which will give us options.”
Rep. Mele Carroll added and noted in her committee report that public hearings be held across the state before a decision is voted on, if this legislation becomes law where the two-thirds majority is required.
Association of Hawai‘i Civic Clubs President Leimomi Kahn testified in support with some reservations of SB1677 SD1, but also urged the Legislature to consider legislation that clearly establishes a full moratorium on the sale or transfer of “ceded lands.”
Other testifiers in support of the bill included students from Halau Lokahi Public Charter School, Hawai‘i Government Employees Association, Na Koa Ikaika O Ka Lahui Hawai‘i, Ali‘i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, and individuals.
The Kekumano Foundation and a representative who testified on behalf of Abigail Kawananakoa opposed the bill.
“As a Hawaiian, I believe that it is not the kuleana to do what they [the State] are doing with the land,” said student Pomai Kailani. “I would like this bill to pass so that future generations can practice their culture.”
SB1677 SD1 was passed unamended in the House Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and will go to the full body for a vote, then referred to the Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources jointly with the House Committee on Judiciary.
Representative Mele Carroll 
Great newsletter, Mele. Mahalo for keeping all of us in Maui Nui informed on issues that pertain to our natural resources, and to all of us — especially to the Native Hawaiian people.