THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2799

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

S.D. 1

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

     SECTION 2.  The department of Hawaiian home lands and department of land and natural resources, in consultation with the department of health, 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 Hawaiian home lands and department of land and natural resources, which shall include:

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

     (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 Hawaiian home lands, department of land and natural resources, and department of health 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.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

 


 

Report Title:

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

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Department of Land and Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Health, to submit to the Legislature a report on the plan for the transfer of powers and duties of Kalaupapa Settlement prior to the Regular Session of 2027.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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