SB 1549: RELATING TO THE KĀNEHILI COMMUNITY HALE.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the Kānehili community hale.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Kānehili homestead community has initiated the development of a multi‑phase community complex that will include a community hale, a lanai, an imu station, a craft hale, and a multi-sport court for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball.  This facility is designed to support the Kānehili homestead community's cultural, educational, and recreational needs, empowering residents, and fostering a stronger sense of community cohesion. 

     The legislature further finds that the community hale will serve as a cornerstone of this complex, providing a dedicated space to practice and celebrate Hawaiian culture, host educational programs, and support community-based initiatives aligned with the principles of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended.  The estimated cost of the community hale is $15,000,000, to include a new access road and parking lot, with the community committed to raising the remaining funds for the broader complex through direct fundraising efforts.  The legislature acknowledges that this appropriation underscores the community's dedication to self-determination. 

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds for appropriation to the department of Hawaiian home lands for a capital improvement project to construct the Kānehili community hale and related infrastructure at the Kānehili homestead.

     SECTION 2.  The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $15,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the purpose of financing a capital improvement project as follows:

1.  To be expended by the department of Hawaiian home lands:

     A.   Kānehili homestead, Oahu

          Construction of a community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot.

              Construction                 $15,000,000

              Total funding                $15,000,000

     SECTION 3.  The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2028, shall lapse as of that date.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

CIP; DHHL; Kānehili Homestead; Community Hale; Appropriation

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for a capital improvement project for the construction of the Kānehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kānehili homestead.

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. 654

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1549

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1549 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KĀNEHILI COMMUNITY HALE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriate funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for a capital improvement project for the construction of the Kānehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kānehili homestead.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Kānehili Community Association, Kaupeʻa Homestead Association, Keaukaha Panaʻewa Farmers Association, and numerous individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Kānehili community hale is a community-driven project that will strengthen the Kānehili Community Homestead through cultural preservation, education, community engagement, access to recreation, and promotion of the well-being of lessees.  The Kānehili Community Homestead has worked diligently to envision and plan this multiple-phase complex which includes a commercial kitchen, an imu, an imu station, a craft pavilion, a lei garden, an outdoor fitness station, pickleball courts, a hula mound, a splash pad, and a playfield.  The Kānehili Community Homestead community is also committed to raising additional funds for the broader project.  This measure will facilitate the construction of this project by providing necessary funding and is aligned with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended, as it represents self-determination and the ability of homesteaders to shape, support, and sustain their own future.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1549 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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