(HONOLULU) – We are pleased with yesterday’s Finance Committee hearing decisions that integrated the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ recommended amendments: removing section 2 and references to net revenues; establishing a new interim annual sum of $21.5 million; releasing the carry forward trust holding account to OHA (approximately $31 million); and establishing a working group to determine past due sums and better accounting of land inventory and income and proceeds amounts.
Mahalo to House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke and the Finance Committee for supporting OHA’s recommended amendments on the bill; and acknowledging over 80 pieces of testimony from local organizations and citizens that echoed OHA’s sentiments. Yesterday’s decision is definitely a good start toward resolution of long held disagreements about the Public Land Trust (PLT). We appreciate these legislative efforts to address PLT issues in a pono manner. OHA will continue its work to advocate for Hawaiians as the bill continues through the legislative process.
