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HB 2047

RELATING TO THE AHA MOKU ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 24 co-sponsors

HB 2047 establishes an Aha Moku Advisory Committee to integrate Native Hawaiian land management practices and indigenous knowledge into Hawaii's state resource governance and policy decisions.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1189-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading.
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Bill Summary · HB 2047

Legislative bill overview

HB 2047 establishes or modifies the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, a body designed to integrate traditional Hawaiian land management practices and indigenous knowledge into Hawaii's resource management and governance decisions. The bill appears to formalize institutional mechanisms for Hawaiian community input on matters affecting Hawaiian lands and cultural practices. This represents an effort to incorporate Native Hawaiian perspectives into state policy-making at a structural level.

Why is this important

Hawaii's governance historically marginalized Native Hawaiian voices in decisions affecting Hawaiian lands, resources, and cultural sites. Formalizing an advisory committee with explicit authority can influence how the state manages public lands, water resources, environmental protection, and cultural preservation—issues directly affecting Native Hawaiian communities and Hawaii's broader sustainability. The mechanism also reflects a national trend toward recognizing tribal sovereignty and indigenous knowledge systems in environmental and land management policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Committee authority and binding power: Whether the committee's recommendations are advisory-only or carry enforceable weight in state decision-making, which could affect implementation speed and resource allocation
  • Representation and membership: Questions about who serves on the committee, whether membership adequately represents Hawaiian interests, and potential conflicts with other stakeholder groups (developers, agricultural interests, conservation groups)
  • Resource and budget implications: Whether establishing this formal structure requires new state funding, staff positions, or administrative overhead that may face fiscal scrutiny

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

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