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Bill

HB 2048

RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 19 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 2048 addresses public lands policy with likely implications for Hawaiian rights, conservation, agriculture, and water resource management across multiple stakeholder interests.

Referred to WAL/PBS, EEP/CPC, JHA, referral sheet 3
#crownandgovernmentlands #disposition #publiclands #publicutilities #renewableenergyproducers #stateandofficeofhawaiianaffairs #unitedstatesmilitary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2048

Legislative bill overview

HB 2048 is a Hawaii bill currently in early legislative stages that addresses public lands policy, though specific provisions are not yet publicly detailed. The bill has passed first reading and been referred to multiple committees (Water, Agriculture & Land; Education, Energy & Environmental Protection; and Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs), suggesting it involves complex intersectional issues.

Why is this important

Public lands in Hawaii represent significant acreage with implications for native Hawaiian rights, conservation, agriculture, water resources, and community access. Committee referrals spanning land management, environmental protection, and Hawaiian affairs indicate this bill likely tackles contested issues around land stewardship, indigenous sovereignty, or resource allocation that affect multiple stakeholder groups.

Potential points of contention

  • Native Hawaiian land rights and sovereignty – bills touching Hawaiian Affairs often involve historical land claims and self-determination issues
  • Environmental conservation versus development – balancing ecological protection with agricultural, residential, or economic use of public lands
  • Water rights and allocation – potential conflicts between agricultural, municipal, and environmental water needs on public lands
  • Community access and use rights – questions about who can use public lands and for what purposes
  • State authority and management – operational and regulatory questions about how public lands are administered

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

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