SB 2799: DHHL; DLNR; DOH; Kalaupapa Settlement; Transfer; Report
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-04
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-17: The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, working with the Department of Health, to prepare and send the Legislature a plan for transferring responsibility for running and caring for the Kalaupapa Settlement. The plan must identify which agency will own or manage land and services, describe steps and roles before and after the transfer (including cleanup and maintenance), include budget estimates, and propose a deadline by law for completing the transfer after the last resident patient passes away.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Health, to submit to the Legislature a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2799 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that pursuant to S.C.R. No. 215, S.D. 1 (1989), the department of health submitted to the legislature in 1991 a strategic plan for transition at Kalaupapa Settlement. This plan has not been revised since, nor did it include input from other governmental agencies on their roles or responsibilities in the transition plan. The lack of an updated and comprehensive plan casts uncertainty on the future of Kalaupapa.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of Hawaiian home lands and department of land and natural resources, in consultation with the department of health, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement.
SECTION 2. The department of Hawaiian home lands and department of land and natural resources, in consultation with the department of health, shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027, a report on the plan for the permanent transfer of the powers and duties relating to the Kalaupapa Settlement to the department of Hawaiian home lands and department of land and natural resources, which shall include:
(1) Specification of interests in and responsibility over Kalawao county or the Kalaupapa Settlement of the department of Hawaiian home lands, department of land and natural resources, and department of health;
(2) Details on the plans and necessary procedures for the permanent transfer of powers and duties;
(3) The pre- and post-transfer roles and responsibilities of the department of Hawaiian home lands, department of land and natural resources, and department of health regarding the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including remediation, maintenance, or other activities;
(4) Budget proposals for the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including any responsibilities outlined in paragraph (3); and
(5) A proposed statutory deadline for the transfer after the passing of the last resident patient of Kalaupapa Settlement.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
DHHL; DLNR; DOH; Kalaupapa Settlement; Transfer; Report
Description:
Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Health, to submit to the Legislature a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027. (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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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2799 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that pursuant to S.C.R. No. 215, S.D. 1 (1989), the department of health submitted to the legislature in 1991 a strategic plan for transition at Kalaupapa Settlement. This plan has not been revised since, nor did it include input from other governmental agencies on their roles or responsibilities in the transition plan. The lack of an updated and comprehensive plan casts uncertainty on the future of Kalaupapa.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health, in consultation with the department of land and natural resources and department of Hawaiian home lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement.
SECTION 2. Chapter 326, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§326- Transition planning. (a) The department of health, in consultation with the department of land and natural resources and the department of Hawaiian home lands, shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 a report on the plan for the permanent transfer of the powers and duties relating to the Kalaupapa Settlement to the department of land and natural resources and the department of Hawaiian home lands, which shall include:
(1) Specification of the department of health's, department of land and natural resources', and the department of Hawaiian home lands' interests in and responsibility over Kalawao county or the Kalaupapa Settlement;
(2) Details on the plans and necessary procedures for the permanent transfer of powers and duties;
(3) The pre- and post-transfer roles and responsibilities of the department of health, department of land and natural resources, and the department of Hawaiian home lands regarding the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including remediation, maintenance, or other activities;
(4) Budget proposals for the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including any responsibilities outlined in paragraph (3); and
(5) A proposed statutory deadline for the transfer after the passing of the last resident patient of Kalaupapa Settlement."
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:
DOH; DLNR; DHHL; Kalaupapa Settlement; Transfer; Report
Description:
Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027.
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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| Mar 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 03-17-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 297) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2842) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Reported from HHS/WLA/HWN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2557) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HWN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Richards, Lamosao, Ihara, Keohokalole, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WLA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Chang, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS/WLA/HWN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-12-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Referred to HHS/WLA/HWN, WAM. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on HWN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
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| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts |
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.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| CARES | ** Support | |
| Department of Hawaiian Home Lands | ** Support | |
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Mar 17, 2026 |
| Hawaiian Homes Commission | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Kaua‘i County Council | *** Support | Mar 17, 2026 |
| SCHHA Molokaʻi Mokupuni | *** Support | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Sovereign Council of the Hawaiian Homestead Associations Molokai Mokupuni | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2842
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2799
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2799 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to submit a report to the Legislature, prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, on the plan for the permanent transfer of powers and duties relating to the Kalaupapa Settlement.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa, and two individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Your Committee finds that a plan for the transfer of powers and duties regarding the Kalaupapa Settlement is essential to accommodate the settlement's remaining residents.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Designating the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Land and Natural Resources as the lead departments in preparing the report; and
(2) Establishing the measure's reporting requirement within session law, rather than the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2799, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2799, S.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2557
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2799
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Health and Human Services, Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2799 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of the Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Sovereign Council of the Hawaiian Homestead Associations Molokai Mokupuni, CARES, and six individuals.
Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa.
Your Committees find that under existing law, the County of Kalawao is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, however, other state agencies, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, have land ownership interest within Kalawao County. Your Committees further find that a plan for the transfer of powers and duties regarding the Kalaupapa Settlement is urgently needed in preparation for the passing of the few resident patients remaining there. This measure requires a report to ensure that all relevant state agencies with a stake in the Kalaupapa Settlement continue the necessary discussions on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of the Kalaupapa Settlement.
Your Committees request the Department of Health to include in this measure's report, the Kalaupapa Transition Interagency Working Group's timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services, Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2799 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services, Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, and Hawaiian Affairs,
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________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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________________________________ HERBERT M. RICHARDS, III, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 17, 2026 | SB2799_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_03-17-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | SB2799_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 12, 2026 | SB2799_TESTIMONY_HHS-WLA-HWN_02-12-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
8MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
22SEC
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
22MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment
22MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
22MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
22MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Bill Author
