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GM 1153

Informing the Legislature that on May 27, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2592 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 053).

2026 Regular Session

Transfers Mauna Kea governance from UH to MKSOA, with transition timelines, milestone triggers, and potential reversion if goals are not met.

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Bill Summary · GM 1153

Summary of GM 1153 (HB 2592 CD1, HD2, SD2) – Hawaii, 2026

Purpose and intent

  • The bill codifies refinements to the governance and transition of Mauna Kea lands, shifting primary management authority from the University of Hawaii to the Mauna Kea stewardship and oversight authority (MKSOA) and clarifying the scope of that authority.
  • It aims to balance ecological protection, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, and continued leadership in astronomy, while providing a clear transition framework and sunset-style triggers if certain milestones are not met.

Key provisions and changes

  • Part I – Legislative findings and purpose

    • Reaffirms Mauna Kea’s ecological, cultural, historical, and scientific significance.
    • Reiterates the goals of mutual stewardship, transparency, and accountability.
    • Establishes the need to refine the authority and its jurisdiction over Mauna Kea lands.

  • Part II – Transition timing and authority reversion

    • Establishes specific transition timelines and conditions for transferring powers.
    • If certain milestones are not met by dates (June 30, 2028; December 31, 2029), rights and duties shift or revert as described:
    • Repeals Act 255 (2022) and related provisions on specific dates if plans/rules are not adopted.
    • Extends the transition period to ensure a smooth handoff (July 1, 2028 to December 1, 2029 window is emphasized for transfer timing).
    • Extends the window for transferring rights, powers, functions, and duties from the University of Hawaii to MKSOA from July 1, 2028 to December 1, 2029.

  • Part II (continued) – Clarifications on scope

    • Clarifies that oversight and interests of MKSOA in Mauna Kea lands are limited to what is expressly granted under Chapter 195H, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

  • Part III – Preservation of existing rules and plans during transition

    • Ensures that existing Mauna Kea governance plans and administrative rules remain in effect until superseding plans or rules take effect.
    • Requires public notice clarifying which existing plan or rule is superseded when a new framework is adopted.
    • Provides for references to shift from UH to MKSOA in current documents after transition.

  • Part IV – Establishment and structure of MKSOA

    • Reconstitutes the Mauna Kea stewardship and oversight authority as a state public instrumentality, serving jointly with UH for a five-year period, with administrative alignment to the DLNR.
    • Grants the authority a public-spirited, sovereign-immunity framework consistent with state governance.

  • Part V – Leases and extensions during transition

    • Authorizes the MKSOA to extend existing leases and subleases for up to an additional ten-year term, prior to the transfer, subject to certain approvals.
    • Provides authority to grant extensions during transition without needing BLNR or LUC approvals, with later oversight returning to those bodies.

  • Part VI – Notifications if milestones are missed

    • Requires the Governor to inform the Legislature if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or fail to submit proposed administrative rules by December 31, 2029.

  • General provisions

    • Title ownership of Mauna Kea lands remains with the State.
    • Repeals and reenactments are staged, with several cross-references to ensure continuity of obligations during transition.

Who is affected

  • Mauna Kea lands governance: transition from UH to the Mauna Kea stewardship and oversight authority.
  • University of Hawaii: potential relinquishment of certain management duties; ongoing lease and transition arrangements.
  • Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR): administrative alignment and oversight responsibilities during transition.
  • Leaseholders and sublessees on Mauna Kea lands: potential lease extensions up to ten years during transition.
  • The Legislature: receives notification if key milestones are not met.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Key transition dates:
    • June 30, 2028: target for adoption of a management plan (195H-6(b)(2)).
    • December 31, 2029: deadline for submitting proposed administrative rules (195H-13).
    • December 1, 2029: transfer of rights, powers, and duties to MKSOA if milestones are met.
  • If milestones are not met, specific sections of the Act take effect and certain powers revert or remain with UH, with pathways to reinstate earlier statutory structures.
  • The Act takes effect upon approval (May 27, 2026), with transitional adjustments to existing plans and rules lasting through December 2029.

Approvals: Governor signed Act 053 on May 27, 2026.

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

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