Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 4, 1 April 2012 — Land proposal advances in House [ARTICLE]

Land proposal advances in House

By Garett Kamemoto Abill to resolve longstanding claims for past-due revenues owed to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is steadily advancing through the state Legislature. The full Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve the bill and send it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. At press time, three House eommittees had voted to approve Senate Bill 2783, sending it to the House Finance Committee for further eonsideration. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has personally appeared before the Legislature to tout his proposal to transfer to OHA 10 parcels of mostly waterfront property in Kaka'ako Makai valued at an estimated $200 million. The plan could potentially provide OH A with an eeonomie boost to help fund community-based programs aimed at improving conditions for Native Hawaiians. Meanwhile, a separate bill to allow for residential development on two of the parcels was in limbo in the House. As of press time, that bill was deferred by the House Judiciary Committee. Members of the Kaka'ako community testified in opposition to SB 682, saying residential development should not be allowed makai of Ala Moana Boulevard. The bill was authored by two state Senate committees. For updates, visit capitol.hawaii. gov. ■

G0VERNANCE To restore pono and ea, Native Hawaiians will achieve self-gover-nanee, after whieh the assets of 0HA will be transferred to the new governing entity.