Senate Majority Initiative: Ceded Lands
SB 1677
The question of the use of ceded lands revenues is one of the most critical and divisive issues in Hawai‘i today. Still, even as the discussion of the State’s obligation to our native Hawaiian population continues, a case pending before the United States Supreme Court threatens to remove the matter from local policy considerations.
SB1677 seeks to address the immediate concerns of the community by requiring the legislature to adopt a two-thirds majority vote of the legislature to adopt a concurrent resolution to sell or exchange certain public lands.
Senate Majority Initiative: Historic Property Documentation
SB 1672
A current Hawai‘i law on the photographic documentation of structures over fifty years old has had unforeseen consequences, placing an undue burden on landowners seeking to renovate or remove certain structures. SB 1672 proposes an amendment that would allow required photographs submitted to the DLNR to be in any format, including electronic, and limit the law’s application to the demolition or major alteration of historic buildings eligible for listing on the Hawaii or national register of historic places.
Senate Majority Initiative: Clarifying Holdover Appointments
SB 1667 and SB 1670
In light of recent controversy involving the appointment of regents to the University of Hawai‘i, it is apparent that the appointment and holdover process needs to be clarified. SB1667 shortens the allowed time for holdover appointments and clarifies the appointment process for positions that require the consent of the senate. SB1670 proposes a Constitutional Amendment to article V, section 6, of the state constitution to clarify the appointment process for department heads and members of boards and commissions by requiring the governor to nominate successors within the time limits required by law.
