STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2124

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.C.R. No. 128

S.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 128, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO PRODUCE AND PROVIDE A LIST OF STATE LANDS CURRENTLY LEASED TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR ANY FEDERAL AGENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Attorney General of Hawaii to take several actions related to state lands currently leased to the United States government or federal agencies. This measure asks the Attorney General to produce a list of leased lands, and examine legal impediments.

Your Committee received testimony in support for this measure from the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai`i and from two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition from the Attorney General.

Your Committee finds that lands under the jurisdiction of the State of Hawaiʻi and currently leased to the United States government or federal agencies represent significant public trust resources. The long-term use of these lands by Federal entities raises important questions regarding compliance with State laws, transparency of lease terms, and potential environmental and cultural impacts resulting from federal activities. Your Committee further finds that there is a lack of accessible and comprehensive information about the scope, duration, and conditions of these leases, which impedes informed decision-making and public accountability.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 128, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair