Government Relations 2023

2023

Every year, DHHL prepares and submits legislative proposals for inclusion in the Governor’s Administrative Package for the next session of the Hawaii State Legislature.

Legislative Timeline

  • July 2022 – DHHL solicits legislative proposals
  • August 2022 – Deadline to submit legislative proposals to DHHL
  • September 2022 – DHHL brings proposals to the Hawaiian Homes Commission for approval
  • September 2022 – HHC approves 10 proposals to move forward

Draft Legislative Proposals

Legislative Proposal Description Progress
Proposal HHL-01(23)

Relating to Independent Legal

This proposal allows the Department to retain independent legal counsel to be paid by the State and use the services of the attorney general as needed. HB598

SB1014

Proposal HHL-02(23)

Relating to the Commission on Water Resource Management

 

This proposal adds the Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairman’s designee to the Commission on Water Resource Management. SB1013
Proposal HHL-03(23)

Relating to Housing

 

This proposal exempts any development of homestead lots or housing for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from general excise taxes. HB1055

SB1353

Proposal HHL-04(23)

Relating to Historic Preservation Reviews

This proposal allows DHHL to assume review of the effect of any proposed project on historic properties or burial sites for lands under its jurisdiction. HB1056

SB1354

Proposal HHL-05(23)

Relating to Interim Administrative Rules of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

 

This proposal creates a new section of the HRS that allows DHHL, after consultation with beneficiaries and organizations representing beneficiaries, to issue interim rules which shall be exempt from the public notice, public hearing, and gubernatorial approval requirements of Chapter 91 as long as the interim rules shall be effective for not more than eighteen months. HB1057

SB1355

Proposal HHL-06(23)

Relating to Compliance and Enforcement on Hawaiian Home Lands

 

This proposal establishes a compliance and enforcement program within the Department to investigate complaints, conduct investigations, and cooperate with enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended and rules adopted thereunder as well as all other state laws and rules, and county ordinances on Hawaiian Home Lands.

 

HB1139

SB490

Proposal HHL-07(23)

Relating to Adoption

This proposal allows an adopted individual to benefit both by relationship through a natural parent and through an adoptive parent in a disposition or other designation provided for in accordance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended or administrative rules while also allowing the adopted individual and individual’s natural family to continue to have the same familial relationship.

 

HB1058

SB1356

Proposal HHL-08(23)

Relating to Affordable Housing on Hawaiian Home Lands

This proposal repeals the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 141, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, and the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 98, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, to make the affordable housing credit program permanent. HB1059

SB1357

Proposal HHL-09(23)

Relating to School Impact Fees

 

This proposal repeals the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 197, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, to make permanent the exclusion of housing developed by DHHL from school impact fees. HB1060

SB1358

Proposal HHL-10(23)

Relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

 

This proposal allows for the expenditure of funds appropriated in Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 until June 30, 2025. HB1507

SB1582

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