REPORT FROM THE SENATE MAJORITY – One the eve of the bill signing ceremony for Senate Bill 2783, relating to public trust lands, Senator J. Kalani English looks forward to the long-awaited day. Governor Abercrombie is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow morning April 11, 2012 at Washington Place.
“Although tomorrow symbolizes a small amount of justice for the Hawaiian community, it is still a monumental day to be celebrated,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.
Senate Bill 2783 would convey Kaka‘ako Makai lands to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The State and OHA agree that a $200 million approximate settlement amount represents a reasonable compromise of the disputed claims. To satisfy that $200 million amount, the State is conveying contiguous and adjacent parcels in Kaka‘ako Makai. The parcels are near Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park, including Fisherman’s Warf.
The Act will take effect on July 1, 2012. Under the Act, all disputes and controversies relating to OHA’s portion of income and proceeds from the public trust lands will be extinguished and discharged as well as bar all claims, suits, and actions for the period November 7, 1978 through June 30, 2012.
“Senate Bill 2783 empowered Hawaiians to get their voices heard and the signing of the measure into law is a small step for Hawaiian rights,” said English.