STAND. COM. REP. NO. 601

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1517

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 1517 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a lottery system for the leasing of cabins on public lands for recreation-residence use.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kōkeʻe Leaseholders Association, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the rents charged for cabins on public lands are not affordable for local families. This measure establishes a more fair and equitable process for prospective lessees to acquire affordable leases for cabins on public lands for recreation-residence use.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water and Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1517 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water and Land,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair