THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2799
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE KALAUPAPA SETTLEMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a plan for the transfer of powers and duties regarding the Kalaupapa Settlement is urgently needed in preparation for the passing of the few resident patients remaining there. Under existing law, the county of Kalawao is under the jurisdiction of the department of health, however, other state agencies, such as the department of land and natural resources and the department of Hawaiian home lands, have land ownership interest within Kalawao county.

The legislature further finds that pursuant to S.C.R. No. 215, S.D. 1 (1989), the department of health submitted to the legislature in 1991 a strategic plan for transition at Kalaupapa Settlement. This plan has not been revised since, nor did it include input from other governmental agencies on their roles or responsibilities in the transition plan. The lack of an updated and comprehensive plan casts uncertainty on the future of Kalaupapa.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health, in consultation with the department of land and natural resources and department of Hawaiian home lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement.

SECTION 2. Chapter 326, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§326- Transition planning. (a) The department of health, in consultation with the department of land and natural resources and the department of Hawaiian home lands, shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 a report on the plan for the permanent transfer of the powers and duties relating to the Kalaupapa Settlement to the department of land and natural resources and the department of Hawaiian home lands, which shall include:

(1) Specification of the department of health's, department of land and natural resources', and the department of Hawaiian home lands' interests in and responsibility over Kalawao county or the Kalaupapa Settlement;

(2) Details on the plans and necessary procedures for the permanent transfer of powers and duties;

(3) The pre- and post-transfer roles and responsibilities of the department of health, department of land and natural resources, and the department of Hawaiian home lands regarding the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including remediation, maintenance, or other activities;

(4) Budget proposals for the transfer of Kalaupapa Settlement, including any responsibilities outlined in paragraph (3); and

(5) A proposed statutory deadline for the transfer after the passing of the last resident patient of Kalaupapa Settlement."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOH; DLNR; DHHL; Kalaupapa Settlement; Transfer; Report

Description:

Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to submit a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.