WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 3

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A PERPETUAL, NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT COVERING A PORTION OF STATE SUBMERGED LANDS AT MAUNALUA, HONOLULU, OAHU, FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OUTFALL AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM, AND FOR USE, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED THEREON.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii grants perpetual easement over state ocean floor at Maunalua Bay for stormwater drainage, raising questions about environmental protection and public access to coastal resources.

This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Tuesday 03-25-25 9:40AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
#authorizingtheissuanceofaperpetual #honolulu #non-exclusiveeasementcoveringaportionofthestatesubmergedlandsatmaunalua #oahu #repair #andmaintenanceoftheimprovementsconstructedthereon #andfortheuse #forthestormwatermanagementoutfallanddrainagesystem
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 3

Legislative bill overview

HCR 3 authorizes the State of Hawaii to grant a perpetual easement to an unnamed entity over state-owned submerged lands at Maunalua Bay in Honolulu. The easement would allow construction, operation, and maintenance of a stormwater management outfall and drainage system on these underwater state lands.

Why is this important

Stormwater management infrastructure is critical for protecting coastal communities from flooding and managing pollution runoff into nearshore waters. However, permanent easements on state submerged lands—which are held in public trust—raise questions about public access, environmental stewardship, and long-term accountability for these coastal resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Missing grantee identification: The bill does not specify which entity receives the easement, making it impossible to assess potential conflicts of interest or accountability measures
  • Perpetual duration: A "perpetual" easement means the agreement never expires, potentially limiting future state flexibility to modify coastal management strategies or use these lands differently
  • Environmental impact unclear: No environmental assessment or mitigation measures are detailed, despite the project occurring in marine waters that may support coral, fish, or other sensitive ecosystems
  • Public access implications: State submerged lands are public resources; the resolution doesn't address whether this easement restricts public navigation, recreation, or other uses of Maunalua Bay

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.