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Public Testimony of NHLC in Support of HB2516

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation joins the Hawaiʻi Correctional Oversight Commission and other experts in calling on the State to stop planning the privately-owned jail. Instead, the State should start an inclusive and systemic planning process, including meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians and other community stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Hawaiʻi. The manaʻo and ʻike of the lāhui is essential to creating a better plan for Native Hawaiians and for all of the people of Hawaii. Read NHLC’s public testimony here: NHLC Supports HB2516 Read HB2516 here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/HB2516_HD1_.HTM

February 9, 2022|Categories: Criminal Justice|

Public Testimony of NHLC in Opposition of HB2164

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation OPPOSES HB2164, which would authorize the direct negotiation of up to 55-year water licenses without sufficient protections for the rights of the public as well as the public trust resource itself. Read NHLC’s public testimony here: NHLC Opposes HB2164 Read HB2164 here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/HB2164_.htm

February 8, 2022|Categories: Traditional Practices, Water Rights|

Public Testimony of NHLC in Opposition of SB2884

Water protectors have fought for years to have the State apply appropriate water permit review protocols to protect public trust water in the Keauhou aquifer in North Kona. These protections include review of environmental impacts and impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices. Just last year, the Water Commission agreed to defer a decision to permit the Ota well to address these concerns. Pending bill SB2884 would enable automatic water permit approvals, effectively removing these important protections. Please take a moment to submit written (due tomorrow at 1pm) and sign up to testify orally (via Zoom) if you can. ...

February 8, 2022|Categories: Hawaiian Home Lands, Water Rights|

Public Testimony of NHLC in Opposition of SB2251

The Senate Housing Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow, Tuesday February 1 at 1:30pm on SB2251, which would encourage the long term development and leasing of "ceded" lands for any housing, including market and above market rate units. Using public trust lands for this purpose fails to advance the interests of Native Hawaiians or the general public, as required by Section 5(f) of the Admission Act. Read NHLC’s public testimony here: NHLC Opposes SB2251 Read SB2251 here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/SB2251_.htm

January 31, 2022|Categories: Ceded Lands Trust|