HB 511: Public Lands; Lands Set Aside; Survey; State Agencies
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-24
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-05-27: Act 082, on 05/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1182).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill lets the governor set aside public land to state departments or agencies without first getting a land survey. A later survey can become final if the board of land and natural resources and the governor approve it, and the State and its employees are protected from lawsuits over boundaries for lands set aside without a survey.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. (CD1)
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to use Geographic Information System (GIS) map data, existing tax parcel maps, and aerial imagery to define approximate boundaries. Requires the Land Survey Division of the Department of Accounting of General Services to review and approve of any boundary assessments made using GIS data by DLNR. Requires a recipient agency to conduct a land survey within five years of a transfer of public lands. Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt a recipient agency from the land survey requirement. Requires the BLNR, in consultation with DLNR, to determine the risk category of public lands before transfer. Requires a land survey for the transfer of high-risk lands. Requires DLNR to establish a digital registry to record all transfers of public lands. Requires BLNR to establish a mediation process to resolve potential boundary disputes. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
511 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In the interests of quickly effectuating the setting aside of public lands between state departments and agencies and the conservation of government resources, the purpose of this Act is to provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require (1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for sealed tenders; and provided further that disposition of lands set aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 shall not be subject to the prior approval of the board. If at the time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March 18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands shall be returned to the department. The governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose, provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished or altered until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Public Lands; Lands Set Aside; Survey; State Agencies
Description:
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
511 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In the interests of quickly effectuating the setting aside of public lands between state departments and agencies and the conservation of government resources, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State; and
(2) Clarify survey requirements for the transfer of public lands.
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the
governor; management[.]; land surveys; requirements; public land
registry; dispute resolution. (a) The governor may, with the prior approval of
the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any
department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other
political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions
thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for [such] public
use or purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the
department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of
the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. [Such] The department, agency
of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of
the State in managing [such] these lands shall be authorized to
exercise all of the powers vested in the board in regard to the issuance of
leases, easements, licenses, revocable permits, concessions, or rights of entry
covering [such] the lands for [such] the use as may
be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the same
terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of public
lands, as provided by this chapter all [such] dispositions being subject
to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions
granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require:
(1) [the] The
approval of the board; or
(2) [public] Public
auction or public advertisement for sealed tenders; [and]
provided further that disposition of lands set aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 shall not be subject to the prior approval of the board. If at the time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March 18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public
purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city
and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the
United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose
stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands
shall be returned to the department. The
governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of
land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department
or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision
of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose[,];
provided that no structure on [such] these lands shall be built,
demolished or altered until after the legislative action or inaction as
hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two‑thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a
public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any
city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not
presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall
have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to
dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions
of [such] the lands where the disposition is for a use which is
consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set
aside. All funds derived from
disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or
be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall
be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county,
county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and
shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this
chapter.
(b) If a land survey is not completed before the setting aside of public lands, the department may utilize geographic information system map data, existing tax parcel maps, and aerial imagery to define approximate boundaries for administrative purposes; provided that any boundary assessments made according to geographic information systems map data shall be subject to the review and approval of the land survey division of the department of accounting and general services.
(c) If a land survey is not completed before the setting aside of public lands, the recipient agency shall complete a land survey within five years of the land transfer; provided that the board may exempt the recipient agency from the land survey requirement if the board determines that a land survey is not necessary based on sufficient pre-existing documentation or geographic information system map data.
(d) Before any transfer of public lands, the board, in consultation with the department, shall determine whether the subject lands are:
(1) High-risk lands, including but not limited to conservation areas, lands adjacent to private property, and lands with existing infrastructure; or
(2) Low-risk lands, including but not limited to existing state-leased lands and agricultural lands under clear historical records.
If the board determines that the subject lands are high-risk lands, the department shall complete a land survey. If the board determines that the subject lands are low-risk lands, a land survey shall not be required; provided that the board determines sufficient pre-existing documentation or geographic information system data is available.
(e) The department shall establish a digital registry accessible to state and county agencies compiling:
(1) All transfers of public lands;
(2) Maps generated using geographic information system map data;
(3) Land survey records;
(4) Historical descriptions of public lands; and
(5) Any related documentation.
(f) The board shall establish a mediation process to resolve any dispute that arises regarding the boundaries of public lands set aside pursuant to this section before any legal action is taken. The mediation process shall include:
(1) Consultation with affected stakeholders; and
(2) When necessary, review of geographic information system map data."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
BLNR; DLNR; DAGS; Land Survey Division; Public Lands; Lands Set Aside; Survey; State Agencies; Dispute Resolution; Transfer; GIS; Risk Category
Description:
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to use Geographic Information System (GIS) map data, existing tax parcel maps, and aerial imagery to define approximate boundaries. Requires the Land Survey Division of the Department of Accounting of General Services to review and approve of any boundary assessments made using GIS data by DLNR. Requires a recipient agency to conduct a land survey within five years of a transfer of public lands. Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt a recipient agency from the land survey requirement. Requires the BLNR, in consultation with DLNR, to determine the risk category of public lands before transfer. Requires a land survey for the transfer of high-risk lands. Requires DLNR to establish a digital registry to record all transfers of public lands. Requires BLNR to establish a mediation process to resolve potential boundary disputes. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
511 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In the interests of quickly effectuating the setting aside of public lands between state departments and agencies and the conservation of government resources, the purpose of this Act is to provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require (1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for sealed tenders; and provided further that disposition of lands set aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 shall not be subject to the prior approval of the board. If at the time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March 18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands shall be returned to the department. The governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose, provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished or altered until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION
3. New statutory material is
underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Public Lands; Lands Set Aside; Survey; State Agencies
Description:
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State. 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.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
511 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to public lands.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. In the interests of quickly effectuating the setting aside of public lands between state departments and agencies and the conservation of government resources, the purpose of this Act is to provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
SECTION 2. Section 171-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§171-11 Public purposes, lands set aside by the governor; management. The governor may, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside public lands to any department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State for public use or purpose. All withdrawals of the lands or portions thereof so set aside shall be made by the governor.
Any public lands set aside by the governor prior to the enactment of this chapter, or any public lands set aside by the governor of the Territory of Hawaii, shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
Lands while so set aside for such use or purpose or when acquired for roads and streets shall be managed by the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State having jurisdiction thereof, unless otherwise provided by law. Such department, agency of the State, the city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State in managing such lands shall be authorized to exercise all of the powers vested in the board in regard to the issuance of leases, easements, licenses, revocable permits, concessions, or rights of entry covering such lands for such use as may be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were set aside on the same terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to the disposition of public lands, as provided by this chapter all such dispositions being subject to the prior approval of the board; provided that any nonrenewable dispositions granting rights for a period not in excess of fourteen days shall not require (1) the approval of the board or (2) public auction or public advertisement for sealed tenders; and provided further that disposition of lands set aside for use as agricultural parks pursuant to chapter 166 shall not be subject to the prior approval of the board. If at the time of the disposition of any such leases the board shall have approved the same, any order withdrawing or setting aside any or all of such lands for any other public purpose shall be made subject to such leases. Subject to section 5(f) of the Act of March 18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), all proceeds from such lands shall be deposited into the appropriate funds provided by law.
A survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to set aside public lands to a department or agency of the State; provided that a subsequent survey of the land set aside shall be binding if ratified by the board of land and natural resources and the governor; provided further that the State, its departments and agencies, and its officials and employees shall be immune from all suits of whatever character, whether sounding in law or in equity, relating to the boundaries of land set aside without a survey.
This section shall also apply where the purposes are the uses and purposes of the United States; provided that all revenues derived from the lands and improvements thereon shall be paid to the department of land and natural resources by the United States.
Whenever lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State, or to the United States, are not being utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the order setting aside the lands shall be withdrawn and the lands shall be returned to the department. The governor may withdraw public lands and, with the prior approval of the board of land and natural resources, set aside the withdrawn lands to another department or agency of the State, the city and county, county, or political subdivision of the State, or to the United States for public use or purpose, provided that no structure on such lands shall be built, demolished or altered until after the legislative action or inaction as hereinbelow provided.
The power granted to the governor in this section to set aside or withdraw or withdraw and set aside public lands shall be exercised subject to disapproval by the legislature by two-thirds vote of either the senate or the house of representatives or by the majority vote of both, in any regular or special session next following the date of the setting aside or withdrawal, or withdrawal and setting aside.
Whenever portions of lands set aside for a public purpose to the various departments and agencies of the State, or to any city and county, county, or other political subdivision of the State are not presently utilized or required for the public purpose stated, the board shall have the power, without withdrawing the order setting aside the lands, to dispose of any and all real property interest less than the fee in the portions of such lands where the disposition is for a use which is consistent or inconsistent with the purpose for which the land was set aside. All funds derived from disposition by the board shall be deposited in the general fund of the State or be paid to the appropriate account; provided that all such dispositions shall be with the prior written approval of the department, agency, city and county, county, or other political subdivisions of the State and the governor, and shall be undertaken in compliance with all other applicable sections of this chapter."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Public Lands; Lands Set Aside
Description:
Provides that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Act 082, on 05/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1182). |
| May 27, 2025 | Act 082, 05/27/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1182). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 50). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 50) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 23, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Gabbard; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) McKelvey ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Tarnas, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 10:00AM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Monday, 04-21-25 10:00AM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 790). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Inouye Chair; Gabbard Co-Chair; McKelvey, Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Hashem, Tarnas Co-Chairs; Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Shimizu. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 652) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1674) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) San Buenaventura ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Gabbard. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC will hold a public decision making on 03-28-25 10:02AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from WTL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1295) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC. |
| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WTL recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WTL were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Chang, McKelvey; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) DeCorte; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | Public notice requirement waived pursuant to Senate Rule 21. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on WTL has scheduled a public hearing on 03-20-25 12:30PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Re-Referred to WTL, JDC. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to WTL/GVO, JDC. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 251). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1086), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 02-27-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kitagawa, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 595) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Lamosao, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Morikawa, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 02-11-25 10:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to WAL, JHA, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 28, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
|
| Mar 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WTL recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 27, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Board of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Mar 20, 2025 |
| Boteilho Hawaii Enterprises Inc. | ** Support | |
| Boteilho Hawaii Enterprises, Inc. | *** Support | Feb 12, 2025 |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | ** Against | |
| Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau | ** Support | |
| Hawai‘i Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Kapapala Ranch | ** Support | |
| Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻAina | ** Against | |
| Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina | *** Against | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Ko Hawai’i Pae ‘Aina | *** Against | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Mālama: Cummings ʻOhana GodTrust | *** Against | Mar 28, 2025 |
| SC Ranch Co. Inc. | ** Support | |
| TiLeaf Group | ** Support |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 50
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 511
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State; and
(2) Establish survey requirements for the transfer of public lands.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Reverting to the H.D. 1 version; and
(2) Further amending this measure by changing its effective date to upon approval.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
|
ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
|
____________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE Chair |
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____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM Co-Chair |
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____________________________ MIKE GABBARD Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1674
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 511
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, 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:
(1) Provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State; and
(2) Clarify survey requirements for the transfer of public lands.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Kapapala Ranch; and three individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻAina, and nine individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.
Your Committee finds that Act 90, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, was intended to ensure that agricultural lands managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources would be transferred to the Department of Agriculture to provide long-term stability for farmers and ranchers. While some progress has been made, many qualifying lands have yet to be transferred due to procedural and administrative delays, including the requirement for land surveys. Your Committee further finds that surveys can be costly and time‑consuming, delaying the transition of lands that are already being used for agricultural production. By allowing transfers to proceed without requiring a survey upfront, this measure will provide an important tool to facilitate the timely execution of these transfers while still allowing for surveys to be conducted later when necessary.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
|
|
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1295
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 511
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
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 H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, 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 provide that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and one individual.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from seven individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.
Your Committee finds that land surveys are often expensive, difficult to schedule, and unnecessary if transferring lands between state agencies and organizations. Your Committee further finds that many parcels of unencumbered public lands and lands under revocable permit that the Department of Agriculture has requested the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer to it pursuant to Act 90, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, have not been surveyed. This measure will provide an additional tool for the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to complete transfers without incurring the expense and additional time required to complete surveys.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources (Department) to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) map data, existing tax parcel maps, and aerial imagery to define approximate boundaries of public lands set aside if a land survey was not conducted prior to the setting aside of the public lands;
(2) Requiring the Land Survey Division of the Department of Accounting and General Services to review and approve of any boundary assessments made by the Department using GIS map data;
(3) Requiring an agency to complete a land survey within five years of receiving public lands set aside if a land survey was not conducted prior to the setting aside of the public lands;
(4) Authorizing the Board of Land and Natural Resources (Board) to exempt a recipient agency from the land survey requirement if the Board determines a land survey is not necessary based on available documentation or data;
(5) Requiring that before the transfer of any public lands set aside, the Board, in consultation with the Department, shall determine whether the subject lands are high-risk lands or low-risk lands;
(6) Requiring the Department to complete a land survey before the transfer of any high-risk lands;
(7) Specifying that low-risk lands shall not require a land survey before transfer if the Department determines that sufficient documentation or GIS map data is available;
(8) Requiring the Department to establish a digital registry accessible to state and county agencies compiling all transfers of public lands and other records;
(9) Requiring the Board to establish a mediation process to resolve potential boundary disputes before legal action can be taken;
(10) Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose; and
(11) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
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 H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, 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 |
|
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1086
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 511
H.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 H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.
Your Committee finds that this measure expedites the process for setting aside public lands by providing that a survey of the land to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
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. 511, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
|
|
|
____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 595
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 511
H.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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 511 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to provide that a survey of the land that is to be set aside shall not be a condition precedent to the setting aside of public lands to any department or agency of the State.
Your Committee finds that requiring land surveys before setting aside public lands between state departments causes unnecessary delays and administrative burdens, hinders efficient land use, and increases costs. This measure eliminates the survey requirement as a condition precedent, streamlining the process to expedite land transfers, such as pending transfers pursuant to Act 90, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003, and helps conserve government resources.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 511, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 511, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,
|
|
|
____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
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Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2025 | HB511_SD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-28-25_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2025 | HB511_HD1_TESTIMONY_WTL_03-20-25_.PDF |
| Feb 27, 2025 | HB511_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-27-25_.PDF |
| Feb 12, 2025 | HB511_TESTIMONY_WAL-EEP_02-11-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
44SEC
Senate Floor
2MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
14MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land
7MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
Bill Author
