Clarifies the appraisal process for state acquisitions of real property.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Section 171-30, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

"(e) [The] For the purposes of monetary grants for acquisition of real property pursuant to section 173A-5 and acquisition of real property by the board of land and natural resources pursuant to this section, a complete appraisal determining the fair market value of the real property interest shall be reviewed, approved, and accepted by the granting or acquiring state department agency. In addition, an independent appraisal of private property to be acquired by the State may be required by the state department or agency and performed by not more than three disinterested appraisers whose services shall be contracted for by the State, and no land shall be purchased for a sum greater than the highest value fixed by the appraiser or appraisals; provided that the State, after review of the appraisals by the appraiser or appraisers or the attorney general, may purchase the property at a value greater than the highest value if the higher value is determined by the appraiser or appraisers or the attorney general to be justified and within the range of market value; provided further that this limitation shall not apply where acquisition is by condemnation. After the private property has been acquired or the State abandons the acquisition, these appraisal reports shall be available for inspection and copying by the public."

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.