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Bill Summary · SB 198

Legislative bill overview

SB 198 is a Hawaii bill relating to public lands that was introduced in January 2025 and has been referred to multiple committees (Water, Land & Agriculture/Public Services & Military and Judiciary & Civil Law). The bill was carried over to the 2026 legislative session and most recently re-referred to committees in January 2026, indicating it remains under consideration but specific provisions are not yet publicly detailed in available summaries.

Why is this important

Public lands management in Hawaii directly affects conservation, Native Hawaiian rights, agricultural use, development opportunities, and public access to natural resources. Bills in this category can impact everything from watershed protection and farming initiatives to tourism, residential development, and the state's fiscal revenue from land leases and use permits.

Potential points of contention

  • Native Hawaiian land interests – Hawaii's history of land dispossession means public lands bills often trigger concerns about Native Hawaiian access, sovereignty, and reparations
  • Conservation vs. development balance – Public lands management frequently pits environmental protection advocates against those seeking economic development or agricultural expansion
  • Committee jurisdiction overlap – The bill's referral to both water/agriculture and judiciary committees suggests potential legal or rights-based complexities that may prove contentious during debate

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

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