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Bill

HB 1982

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Luke Evslin and 19 co-sponsors

HB 1982 modifies Department of Hawaiian Home Lands operations; passed second reading with amendments but faces divided legislative support in committee review phase.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 474-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN.
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Bill Summary · HB 1982

Legislative bill overview

HB 1982 relates to governance and operations of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Hawaii's agency responsible for administering homestead lands for native Hawaiians. The bill has passed second reading with amendments and is currently under committee review. The specific substantive provisions are not detailed in the action history provided, making full analysis of intended reforms difficult.

Why is this important

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands manages approximately 200,000 acres held in trust for native Hawaiian beneficiaries, affecting housing, economic opportunity, and cultural continuity for thousands of families. Reforms to DHHL operations can impact land management efficiency, beneficiary access, and accountability in this trust relationship.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of amendments: The bill was significantly amended in committee (HD 1 version), suggesting substantive disagreement over provisions; the nature of these changes is unclear from the record
  • Divided committee support: The 5-5-1 vote on second reading (5 ayes with reservations, 5 noes, 1 excused) indicates meaningful partisan or philosophical divide about the measure's approach
  • Trust responsibility concerns: Any DHHL reforms may face scrutiny regarding whether changes adequately protect the state's fiduciary duty to native Hawaiian beneficiaries versus administrative efficiency goals

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

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