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HCR 199

REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO RETURN TO THE STATE ALL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON HAWAII PUBLIC LANDS THAT ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING FORT DERUSSY AND THE HALE KOA HOTEL, PURSUANT TO THE HAWAII ADMISSION ACT, AND AS FURTHER REQUIRED BY PUBLIC LAW 88-233.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Grandinetti and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests return of Fort DeRussy and Hale Koa Hotel from federal government, claiming statehood agreements require return of unneeded defense facilities to state control.

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Bill Summary · HCR 199

Legislative bill overview

HCR 199 is a concurrent resolution requesting the federal government return recreational facilities on Hawaiian public lands—specifically Fort DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel—to Hawaii's state control. The request is framed as required under the Hawaii Admission Act and Public Law 88-233, which established conditions for Hawaii's statehood regarding federal land use obligations.

Why is this important

Control of these recreational facilities represents significant real estate and revenue-generating assets for Hawaii. The resolution touches on longstanding questions about federal obligations to Hawaiian statehood, land sovereignty, and whether federal military properties should transition to civilian/state use when no longer essential for defense. This reflects broader Native Hawaiian sovereignty and land management concerns in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: The federal government may dispute whether the Hawaii Admission Act legally requires return of these properties or how to interpret "no longer required for defense"
  • Military utility assessment: Disagreement over whether Fort DeRussy and related facilities remain strategically important for Indo-Pacific military operations
  • Revenue and liability: Transfer would shift control of revenue-generating assets and associated maintenance/liability responsibilities from federal to state authorities
  • Native Hawaiian land claims: Unclear how returned lands would be managed and whether they address historical Hawaiian land dispossession claims

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

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