Hb499

Statement from OHA Chair on HB499

June 25, 2021 STATEMENT FROM OHA CHAIR CARMEN “HULU” LINDSEY ON HB499 I am extremely disappointed by the Governor’s recent decision to not consider HB499 for a veto. This decision by the Governor ensures that this controversial bill, which OHA and many other organizations and individuals repeatedly raised concerns about in opposition during and after the 2021 legislative session, will inevitably now become law. HB499 will represent the most damaging law to Native Hawaiian rights enacted in nearly a decade. Forty-year lease extensions, directly negotiated between current lessees and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, threaten to prevent future generations…