SB 2924: CIP; DHHL; Kanehili Homestead; Community Hale; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE KANEHILI COMMUNITY HALE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Kanehili 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 Kanehili 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, including 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 make an appropriation to the department of Hawaiian home lands to construct the Kanehili community hale and related infrastructure at the Kanehili homestead.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $15,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to construct the Kanehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kanehili homestead.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of Hawaiian home lands for the purpose of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

CIP; DHHL; Kanehili Homestead; Community Hale; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriate funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for the construction of the Kanehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kanehili homestead.  (SD1)

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 KAnehili community hale.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Kanehili 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 Kanehili 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, including 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 Kanehili community hale and related infrastructure at the Kanehili 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 2026-2027 for the purpose of financing a capital improvement project as follows:

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

     A.   Kanehili 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, 2026.

Report Title:

CIP; DHHL; Kanehili 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 Kanehili community hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kanehili 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. 2384

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2924

        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 Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2924 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE KANEHILI 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 Kanehili Community Hale, a new access road, and a parking lot at the Kanehili Homestead.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Kānehili Community Association, and five individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Kānehili Homestead Community, and its native Hawaiian beneficiaries, need a critical investment in the cultural vitality, educational advancement, and overall well-being of their community.  Your Committee further finds that the Kānehili Community Hale is a community-driven project that will strengthen the Kānehili Community Homestead through the cultural preservation, education, community engagement, access to recreation, and promotion of the well-being of lessees.  This measure will promote self‑determination, economic self‑sufficiency, and the long‑term stability of native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Appropriating funds from the general fund rather than general obligation bonds; and

     (2)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose.

     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. 2924, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2924, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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