HB 2473: OPSD; Hawaii State Planning Act; Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RECOGNITION OF A HAWAIIAN SENSE OF PLACE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as the "Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act".

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  Hawaiian sense of place recognition

     §226-     Definitions.  As used in this part, "Hawaiian sense of place" means the cultural, spiritual, environmental, and social relationships that Native Hawaiians and residents of Hawaii maintain with land, water, and natural and built environments.  This concept includes but is not limited to the following elements:

     (1)  Connection to ʻaina.  Recognition of land as a living entity that sustains and nurtures the community, embodying ancestral knowledge, history, and genealogy;

     (2)  Cultural practices.  Integration and perpetuation of traditional practices, including hula, oli (chant), festivals, and other cultural expressions that reinforce relationships between people and place;

     (3)  Spiritual significance.  Acknowledgment of sacred sites, traditional cultural properties, and places of historical and traditional cultural importance, contributing to individual and community identity;

     (4)  Community and family relationships.  Recognition of the role of ʻohana, community networks, and intergenerational ties in shaping and sustaining place-based identity; and

     (5)  Environmental stewardship.  Commitment to sustainability, biodiversity protection, and traditional Hawaiian environmental practices that promote long-term ecological balance.

     §226-     Promotion and education.  The office shall develop and implement educational and outreach programs to promote understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  These programs shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  The cultural significance of ʻaina and place-based identity;

     (2)  Traditional Hawaiian environmental and land stewardship practices; and

     (3)  The historical, cultural, and spiritual narratives associated with specific places throughout the State.

     §226-     Land management, planning, and state construction.  (a)  In the planning, management, and development of land, state agencies shall incorporate the principles of the Hawaiian sense of place.

     (b)  All new construction, redevelopment, or major capital improvement projects on state-owned lands shall be designed and developed in alignment with the Hawaiian sense of place, including the consideration of:

     (1)  Architectural and landscape design that reflects Hawaiian values, cultural context, and environmental conditions;

     (2)  Integration of culturally and historically significant sites and features;

     (3)  Sustainable design practices consistent with traditional Hawaiian environmental stewardship; and

     (4)  Meaningful engagement with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cultural experts, and affected communities during planning and design phases.

     (c)  State agencies shall ensure that community input and cultural consultation are meaningfully incorporated to uphold traditions and practices reflective of the Hawaiian sense of place."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

OPSD; Hawaii State Planning Act; Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act

Description:

Establishes the Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act.  Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop educational and outreach programs to promote understanding of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  Requires state agencies to incorporate Hawaiian sense of place principles into land planning, management, and state construction projects.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RECOGNITION OF A HAWAIIAN SENSE OF PLACE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as the "Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act".

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  Hawaiian sense of place recognition

     §226-     Definitions.  As used in this part:

     "Hawaiian sense of place" means the cultural, spiritual, environmental, and social relationships that Native Hawaiians and residents of Hawaii maintain with land, water, and natural and built environments.  This concept includes but is not limited to the following elements:

     (1)  Connection to ʻaina.  Recognition of land as a living entity that sustains and nurtures the community, embodying ancestral knowledge, history, and genealogy;

     (2)  Cultural practices.  Integration and perpetuation of traditional practices, including hula, oli (chant), festivals, and other cultural expressions that reinforce relationships between people and place;

     (3)  Spiritual significance.  Acknowledgment of sacred sites, traditional cultural properties, and places of historical and mythological importance, contributing to individual and community identity;

     (4)  Community and family relationships.  Recognition of the role of ʻohana, community networks, and intergenerational ties in shaping and sustaining place-based identity; and

     (5)  Environmental stewardship.  Commitment to sustainability, biodiversity protection, and traditional Hawaiian environmental practices that promote long-term ecological balance.

     §226-     Promotion and education.  The office shall develop and implement educational and outreach programs to promote understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  These programs shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  The cultural significance of ʻaina and place-based identity;

     (2)  Traditional Hawaiian environmental and land stewardship practices; and

     (3)  The historical, cultural, and spiritual narratives associated with specific places throughout the State.

     §226-     Land management, planning, and state construction.  (a)  In the planning, management, and development of land, state agencies shall incorporate the principles of the Hawaiian sense of place.

     (b)  All new construction, redevelopment, or major capital improvement projects on state-owned lands shall be designed and developed in alignment with the Hawaiian sense of place, including the consideration of:

     (1)  Architectural and landscape design that reflects Hawaiian values, cultural context, and environmental conditions;

     (2)  Integration of culturally and historically significant sites and features;

     (3)  Sustainable design practices consistent with traditional Hawaiian environmental stewardship; and

     (4)  Meaningful engagement with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cultural experts, and affected communities during planning and design phases.

     (c)  State agencies shall ensure that community input and cultural consultation are meaningfully incorporated to uphold traditions and practices reflective of the Hawaiian sense of place."

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

OPSD; Hawaii State Planning Act; Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act

Description:

Establishes the Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act.  Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop educational and outreach programs to promote understanding of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  Requires state agencies to incorporate Hawaiian sense of place principles into land planning, management, and state construction projects.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the recognition of a hawaiian sense of place.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as the "Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act".

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  Hawaiian sense of place recognition

     §226-     Definitions.  As used in this part:

     "Hawaiian sense of place" means the cultural, spiritual, environmental, and social relationships that Native Hawaiians and residents of Hawaii maintain with land, water, and natural and built environments.  This concept includes, but is not limited to the following elements:

     (1)  Connection to ʻaina.  Recognition of land as a living entity that sustains and nurtures the community, embodying ancestral knowledge, history, and genealogy;

     (2)  Cultural practices.  Integration and perpetuation of traditional practices, including hula, oli (chant), festivals, and other cultural expressions that reinforce relationships between people and place;

     (3)  Spiritual significance.  Acknowledgment of sacred sites, traditional cultural properties, and places of historical and mythological importance, contributing to individual and community identity;

     (4)  Community and family relationships.  Recognition of the role of ʻohana, community networks, and intergenerational ties in shaping and sustaining place-based identity; and

     (5)  Environmental stewardship.  Commitment to sustainability, biodiversity protection, and traditional Hawaiian environmental practices that promote long-term ecological balance.

     §226-     Promotion and education.  The office shall develop and implement educational and outreach programs to promote understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  These programs shall include, but not be limited to:

     (1)  The cultural significance of ʻaina and place-based identity;

     (2)  Traditional Hawaiian environmental and land stewardship practices; and

     (3)  The historical, cultural, and spiritual narratives associated with specific places throughout the State.

     §226-     Land management, planning, and state construction.  (a)  In the planning, management, and development of land, state agencies shall incorporate the principles of the Hawaiian sense of place.

     (b)  All new construction, redevelopment, or major capital improvement projects on state-owned lands shall be designed and developed in alignment with the Hawaiian sense of place, including the consideration of:

     (1)  Architectural and landscape design that reflects Hawaiian values, cultural context, and environmental conditions;

     (2)  Integration of culturally and historically significant sites and features;

     (3)  Sustainable design practices consistent with traditional Hawaiian environmental stewardship; and

     (4)  Meaningful engagement with Native Hawaiian practitioners, cultural experts, and affected communities during planning and design phases.

     (c)  State agencies shall ensure that community input and cultural consultation are meaningfully incorporated to uphold traditions and practices reflective of the Hawaiian sense of place."

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

Report Title:

OPSD; Hawaii State Planning Act; Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act

Description:

Establishes the Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act.  Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop educational and outreach programs to promote understanding of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees.  Requires state agencies to incorporate Hawaiian sense of place principles into land planning, management, and state construction projects.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  750-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2473

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2473, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE RECOGNITION OF A HAWAIIAN SENSE OF PLACE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act;

     (2)  Require the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop and implement educational and outreach programs to promote understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees; and

     (3)  Require state agencies to incorporate Hawaiian sense of place principles into land planning, management, and state construction projects.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiian Council; ACLU of Hawaiʻi; and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

     Your Committee finds that a Hawaiian sense of place reflects the cultural, spiritual, environmental, and community relationships that connect people to Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that incorporating these principles in the planning, management, and development of land will help guide the State in a manner that respects cultural values, community input, and environmental stewardship.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Replacing mythological importance with traditional cultural importance to better align with terminology used in existing law; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2473, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2473, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  251-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2473

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 2473 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE RECOGNITION OF A HAWAIIAN SENSE OF PLACE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish the Hawaiian Sense of Place Recognition Act;

     (2)  Require the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to develop educational and outreach programs to promote understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian sense of place among residents, visitors, and public employees; and

     (3)  Require state agencies to incorporate Hawaiian sense of place principles into land planning, management, and state construction projects.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiian Council and two individuals.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

     Your Committees find that maintaining the cultural, spiritual, environmental, and social relationships Native Hawaiians and Hawaii residents have with the land, or "Hawaiian sense of place", is vital to ensuring that Hawaii stays connected to its unique history and culture.  This measure promotes understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian sense of place through education and outreach programs and planning, management, and development requirements for state agencies.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Labor that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2473, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2473, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Labor,