Showing posts with label DLNR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DLNR. Show all posts
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Thursday, April 05, 2018
HAS THE ILLEGAL US OCCUPATION OF HAWAI`I WORKED?
Honolulu Civil Beat - April 3, 2018
A Hawaii judge ruled Tuesday that the state has failed to enforce a lease requiring the U.S. military to clean up debris on the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawai`i Island.
The ruling requires the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to make sure that the military is cleaning up the land, some of which is being used for live-fire training. Pohakuloa Training Area is made up of 100,000 acres, with about 80 percent owned by the military and the remaining 20 percent leased from the state.
Judge Gary Chang ruled in a case filed four years ago by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation on behalf of two Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, Clarence Ching and Mary Maxine Kahaulelio.
Chang wrote -
The military has a 65-year lease for nearly 23,000 acres of state land for a total price of $1. The lease began in 1964 and expires in 2029.
Despite the low price, the lease requires the military to “make every reasonable effort to … remove or deactivate all live or blank ammunition upon completion of a training exercise or prior to entry by the said public, whichever is sooner.”
Chang found that the the Army hadn’t regularly cleaned up the area, noting in his ruling that inspections found artillery shells and abandoned cars. He also criticized the state’s record keeping.
“DLNR has not met its informal goal of inspecting the Subject Lands once every two (2) years. Additionally, DLNR has also not provided adequate documentation of any inspection efforts so as to provide rudimentary transparency into the DLNR’s efforts to inspect the Subject Lands so that it can mālama `āina,” Chang wrote.
Chang is requiring the state to develop a written plan by the end of the year to take care of Pohakuloa that includes periodic on-site monitoring and inspection, including written inspection reports and recommendations. The plan also must include processes for dealing with violations and removing debris.
The ruling also says the state can’t extend, renew or change the military’s lease of the land “without first determining (in writing) that the terms of the existing lease have been satisfactorily fulfilled.”
Dan Dennison, spokesman for the DLNR, said in a press release that the attorney general is reviewing the court order to determine next steps and is considering the possibility of an appeal. He added that inspections of state land since 2014 have resulted in cleanups.
“We appreciate that this proceeding brought further focus to regular inspections and ongoing work with the Army to properly steward the leased lands,” said DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case. “This work has already been under way for several years.”
The public affairs office for the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa did not reply to a request for comment late Tuesday afternoon. The Army was not a party to the lawsuit.
David Kimo Frankel, an attorney at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, says the court ruling probably won’t impact military training on the area but he hopes it will improve state oversight.
“We hope that it will make the DLNR and the BLNR do their job,” Frankel said. “They should not simply cede to the demands of whatever the military wants.”
He said Chang’s repeated references to mālama `āina in his ruling is significant.
“This is the first time that we know of that the court has ever articulated that principle as part of the state’s trust duty,” Frankel said.
Military debris is a major problem in Hawaii and the broader Pacific. Federal taxpayers spent hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up Kahoolawe, but the island remains largely uninhabitable.
Honolulu Civil Beat - April 3, 2018
A Hawaii judge ruled Tuesday that the state has failed to enforce a lease requiring the U.S. military to clean up debris on the Army’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawai`i Island.
The ruling requires the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to make sure that the military is cleaning up the land, some of which is being used for live-fire training. Pohakuloa Training Area is made up of 100,000 acres, with about 80 percent owned by the military and the remaining 20 percent leased from the state.
Judge Gary Chang ruled in a case filed four years ago by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation on behalf of two Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, Clarence Ching and Mary Maxine Kahaulelio.
Chang wrote -
"Defendants have failed to preserve and protect the Subject Lands as required by their duties as a trustee of the public land trust. Defendants have failed to mālama `āina the Subject Lands under the Said Lease. These failures constitute a breach of Defendants’ trust duties that apply to the Subject Lands. This failure has harmed, impaired, diminished, or otherwise adversely affected Plaintiffs’ cultural interests in the Subject Lands."
The military has a 65-year lease for nearly 23,000 acres of state land for a total price of $1. The lease began in 1964 and expires in 2029.
Despite the low price, the lease requires the military to “make every reasonable effort to … remove or deactivate all live or blank ammunition upon completion of a training exercise or prior to entry by the said public, whichever is sooner.”
Chang found that the the Army hadn’t regularly cleaned up the area, noting in his ruling that inspections found artillery shells and abandoned cars. He also criticized the state’s record keeping.
“DLNR has not met its informal goal of inspecting the Subject Lands once every two (2) years. Additionally, DLNR has also not provided adequate documentation of any inspection efforts so as to provide rudimentary transparency into the DLNR’s efforts to inspect the Subject Lands so that it can mālama `āina,” Chang wrote.
Chang is requiring the state to develop a written plan by the end of the year to take care of Pohakuloa that includes periodic on-site monitoring and inspection, including written inspection reports and recommendations. The plan also must include processes for dealing with violations and removing debris.
The ruling also says the state can’t extend, renew or change the military’s lease of the land “without first determining (in writing) that the terms of the existing lease have been satisfactorily fulfilled.”
Dan Dennison, spokesman for the DLNR, said in a press release that the attorney general is reviewing the court order to determine next steps and is considering the possibility of an appeal. He added that inspections of state land since 2014 have resulted in cleanups.
“We appreciate that this proceeding brought further focus to regular inspections and ongoing work with the Army to properly steward the leased lands,” said DLNR Chairwoman Suzanne Case. “This work has already been under way for several years.”
The public affairs office for the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa did not reply to a request for comment late Tuesday afternoon. The Army was not a party to the lawsuit.
David Kimo Frankel, an attorney at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, says the court ruling probably won’t impact military training on the area but he hopes it will improve state oversight.
“We hope that it will make the DLNR and the BLNR do their job,” Frankel said. “They should not simply cede to the demands of whatever the military wants.”
He said Chang’s repeated references to mālama `āina in his ruling is significant.
“This is the first time that we know of that the court has ever articulated that principle as part of the state’s trust duty,” Frankel said.
Military debris is a major problem in Hawaii and the broader Pacific. Federal taxpayers spent hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up Kahoolawe, but the island remains largely uninhabitable.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
HAWAI`I NEWS NOW - STATE BLOCKS CNN STORY ABOUT WAI`ANAE HOUSELESS
Hawaii News Now - December 22, 2017
The leader of Waianae's largest homeless village was hoping a film production crew working on a show for CNN would help tell their story to the world – until the crew's application for a one-day filming permit was denied by the state.
"They were going to bring more awareness to see if we can get more help out there, like sponsors and what not," said Twinkle Borge, the leader of Puuhonua O Waianae.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources objected to the film crew giving the Waianae homeless camp national publicity, saying the following in a statement:
"I was kind of angry when they told me they got denied," Borge said. "We have been here this long and all of a sudden it's a problem and you want to take it from us? Shame on you."
The state also claimed that the 16-person film crew would have had an impact on opae'ula, a protected species of tiny red shrimp which live in deep sinkholes around the camp. Borge, though, says it's the campers who have taken on responsibility for the animal's sustainability in the area.
"I believe they used that as an excuse," she said.
It's not the first time Borge has perceived that the state is attempting to push the homeless out. In October, state officials closed certain water spigots at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor for a road repaving project, causing the struggling families to find new supplies of water.
In an email to Hawaii News Now, the state said it had "no obligation to provide services to people camping illegally on state property."
The camp has the support of many in the Waianae community, including the neighborhood board.
"We're trying to play ball and we are trying to do everything to show we're willing to abide by the rules, but the state is not allowing that to happen for us to remain there," said Marc Paaluhi, a supporter of Puuhonua O Waianae.
The state refused Hawaii News Now's request for an interview on the status of the camp for this story. The film company that was denied a permit did not respond to our calls.
Hawaii News Now - December 22, 2017
The leader of Waianae's largest homeless village was hoping a film production crew working on a show for CNN would help tell their story to the world – until the crew's application for a one-day filming permit was denied by the state.
"They were going to bring more awareness to see if we can get more help out there, like sponsors and what not," said Twinkle Borge, the leader of Puuhonua O Waianae.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources objected to the film crew giving the Waianae homeless camp national publicity, saying the following in a statement:
"Bringing attention to this area on a national level has the possibility of suggesting that the State is okay with the current human occupation on this property, and while we continue to be in discussions with various parties about this property and its future use, at the moment we are not interested in the possibility of people living there being inaccurately or inappropriately portrayed to a national television audience."Borge feels the censorship is part of an effort to force the camp to close.
"I was kind of angry when they told me they got denied," Borge said. "We have been here this long and all of a sudden it's a problem and you want to take it from us? Shame on you."
The state also claimed that the 16-person film crew would have had an impact on opae'ula, a protected species of tiny red shrimp which live in deep sinkholes around the camp. Borge, though, says it's the campers who have taken on responsibility for the animal's sustainability in the area.
"I believe they used that as an excuse," she said.
It's not the first time Borge has perceived that the state is attempting to push the homeless out. In October, state officials closed certain water spigots at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor for a road repaving project, causing the struggling families to find new supplies of water.
In an email to Hawaii News Now, the state said it had "no obligation to provide services to people camping illegally on state property."
The camp has the support of many in the Waianae community, including the neighborhood board.
"We're trying to play ball and we are trying to do everything to show we're willing to abide by the rules, but the state is not allowing that to happen for us to remain there," said Marc Paaluhi, a supporter of Puuhonua O Waianae.
The state refused Hawaii News Now's request for an interview on the status of the camp for this story. The film company that was denied a permit did not respond to our calls.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"WHO IS TWINKLE & WHY DO THEY WANT TO
SHUT HER UP?"
Why Is Hawai`iʻs Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources Out To Stop Someone Whoʻs Ending Houselessness?
What Did DLNR Do When CNN Wanted To Report On What Twinkle Borge Is Doing At The Wai`anae Houseless Encampment?
Why Is The State Of Hawai`i Trying Hide Twinkleʻs Results & Actually Shut Her Down?
Watch Our Report For The Answers & See How You Can Help Support Twinkle.
Then Share This Video Today With Your Family & Everyone You Know.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"WHO IS TWINKLE & WHY DO THEY WANT TO
SHUT HER UP?"
Why Is Hawai`iʻs Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources Out To Stop Someone Whoʻs Ending Houselessness?
What Did DLNR Do When CNN Wanted To Report On What Twinkle Borge Is Doing At The Wai`anae Houseless Encampment?
Why Is The State Of Hawai`i Trying Hide Twinkleʻs Results & Actually Shut Her Down?
Watch Our Report For The Answers & See How You Can Help Support Twinkle.
Then Share This Video Today With Your Family & Everyone You Know.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
ALERT! - YOUR KOKUA NEEDED NOW TO STOP THE CARLETON CHING CONFIRMATION
Please forward this to all Hawaiians and our supporters.
Your kokua, your help, is desperately and immediately needed to help stop the confirmation of Carleton Ching as head of the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Sources are reporting the 25-member state Senate now appears deadlocked over the nomination.
Some sources are placing the count at 12 to 12, with one senator's stance unknown and with a few senators likely to flip-flop before this week's expected vote.
One in particular, Sen. Brian Taniguchi (D, Makiki-Tantalus-Manoa) who has formerly stated he was “inclined to oppose” Chingʻs selection is now telling residents he is undecided.
Word is that the senators representing Maui will be critical swing votes.
The vote in the Hawai`i state senate may happen as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, or Thursday.
However, reliable reports state that Hawai`i Governor Ige will not bring the vote to the floor until he is certain he has the votes for confirmation.
If confirmed, Mr. Ching, a commercial developer, will control the future of Hawaiian Kingdom lands.
We hope you understand the gravity of that and therefore what is at stake.
We ask each and every one of you to email and call as many state senators as you can to declare your opposition to Mr. Chingʻs nomination.
You may send one email to the entire senate at - sens@capitol.hawaii.gov.
However below is the list of the entire Hawai`i state senate and we strongly suggest you call and email your senators personally today to say “NO!” to Carleton Chingʻs confirmation.
Mahalo.
_______________________________________________________________
Hawai`i State Senate
If You Are Not Sure Who Your Senator Is, Click Here - http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/findleg.aspx?street=Enter%20Street%20Name
Baker, Rosalyn H.
Phone 808-586-6070
Email: senbaker@Capitol.hawaii.gov
District 6 South and West Maui
Chun Oakland, Suzanne
Phone 808-586-6130
Email: senchunoakland@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 13 Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus, Downtown
Dela Cruz, Donovan M.
Phone 808-586-6090
Email: sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 22 Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho
English, J. Kalani
Phone 808-587-7225
Email: senenglish@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 7 Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe
Espero, Will
Phone 808-586-6360
Email: senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 19 ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages
Gabbard, Mike
Phone 808-586-6830
Email: engabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 20 Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu
Galuteria, Brickwood
Phone 808-586-6740
Email: sengaluteria@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 12 Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mo‘ili‘ili
Green, Josh
Phone 808-586-9385
Email: sengreen@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 3 Kona, Ka‘u
Harimoto, Breene
Phone 808-586-6230
Email: senharimoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 16 Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa, Pearl Harbor
Ihara, Les Jr.
Phone 808-586-6250
Email: senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 10 Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, St. Louis Heights, Mo‘ili‘ili, Ala Wai
Inouye, Lorraine
Phone 808-586-7335
Email: seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 4 Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona
Kahele, Gilbert
Phone 808-586-6760
Email: senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 1 Hilo
Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C.
Phone 808-586-7344
Email: senkeithagaran@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 5 Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului
Kidani, Michelle N.
Phone 808-586-7100
Email: senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 18 Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia
Kim, Donna Mercado
Phone 808-587-7200
Email: senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 14 Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea
Kouchi, Ronald D.
Phone 808-586-6030
Email: senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 8 Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Nishihara, Clarence K.
Phone 808-586-6970
Email: sennishihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 17 Waipahu, Crestview, Manana, Pearl City, Pacific Palisades
Riviere, Gil
Phone 808-586-7330
Email: senriviere@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 23 Kane‘ohe , Ka‘a‘awa, Hau‘ula, La‘ie, Kahuku, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, Kunia
Ruderman, Russell E.
Phone 808-586-6890
Email: senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 2 Puna, Ka‘u
Shimabukuro, Maile S.L.
Phone 808-586-7793
Email: senshimabukuro@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 21 Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nanakuli, Ma‘ili, Wai‘anae, Makaha, Makua
Slom, Sam
Phone 808-586-8420
Email: senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 9 Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Aina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kahala, Diamond Head
Taniguchi, Brian T.
Phone 808-586-6460
Email: sentaniguchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 11 Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea
Thielen, Laura H.
Phone 808-587-8388
Email: senthielen@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 25 Kailua, Lanikai, Enchanted Lake, Keolu Hills, Maunawili, Waimanalo, Hawai‘i Kai, Portlock
Tokuda, Jill N.
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 207
Phone 808-587-7215
Email: sentokuda@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 24 Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Ahuimanu
Wakai, Glenn
Phone 808-586-8585
Email: senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 15 Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor
Please forward this to all Hawaiians and our supporters.
Your kokua, your help, is desperately and immediately needed to help stop the confirmation of Carleton Ching as head of the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Sources are reporting the 25-member state Senate now appears deadlocked over the nomination.
Some sources are placing the count at 12 to 12, with one senator's stance unknown and with a few senators likely to flip-flop before this week's expected vote.
One in particular, Sen. Brian Taniguchi (D, Makiki-Tantalus-Manoa) who has formerly stated he was “inclined to oppose” Chingʻs selection is now telling residents he is undecided.
Word is that the senators representing Maui will be critical swing votes.
The vote in the Hawai`i state senate may happen as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, or Thursday.
However, reliable reports state that Hawai`i Governor Ige will not bring the vote to the floor until he is certain he has the votes for confirmation.
If confirmed, Mr. Ching, a commercial developer, will control the future of Hawaiian Kingdom lands.
We hope you understand the gravity of that and therefore what is at stake.
We ask each and every one of you to email and call as many state senators as you can to declare your opposition to Mr. Chingʻs nomination.
You may send one email to the entire senate at - sens@capitol.hawaii.gov.
However below is the list of the entire Hawai`i state senate and we strongly suggest you call and email your senators personally today to say “NO!” to Carleton Chingʻs confirmation.
Mahalo.
_______________________________________________________________
Hawai`i State Senate
If You Are Not Sure Who Your Senator Is, Click Here - http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/findleg.aspx?street=Enter%20Street%20Name
Baker, Rosalyn H.
Phone 808-586-6070
Email: senbaker@Capitol.hawaii.gov
District 6 South and West Maui
Chun Oakland, Suzanne
Phone 808-586-6130
Email: senchunoakland@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 13 Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus, Downtown
Dela Cruz, Donovan M.
Phone 808-586-6090
Email: sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 22 Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho
English, J. Kalani
Phone 808-587-7225
Email: senenglish@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 7 Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe
Espero, Will
Phone 808-586-6360
Email: senespero@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 19 ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, portion of ‘Ewa Villages
Gabbard, Mike
Phone 808-586-6830
Email: engabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 20 Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of ‘Ewa, Kalaeloa, and Waipahu
Galuteria, Brickwood
Phone 808-586-6740
Email: sengaluteria@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 12 Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully, Mo‘ili‘ili
Green, Josh
Phone 808-586-9385
Email: sengreen@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 3 Kona, Ka‘u
Harimoto, Breene
Phone 808-586-6230
Email: senharimoto@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 16 Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Halawa, Pearl Harbor
Ihara, Les Jr.
Phone 808-586-6250
Email: senihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 10 Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, St. Louis Heights, Mo‘ili‘ili, Ala Wai
Inouye, Lorraine
Phone 808-586-7335
Email: seninouye@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 4 Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona
Kahele, Gilbert
Phone 808-586-6760
Email: senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 1 Hilo
Keith-Agaran, Gilbert S.C.
Phone 808-586-7344
Email: senkeithagaran@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 5 Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului
Kidani, Michelle N.
Phone 808-586-7100
Email: senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 18 Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia
Kim, Donna Mercado
Phone 808-587-7200
Email: senkim@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 14 Kapalama, ‘Alewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Halawa and ‘Aiea
Kouchi, Ronald D.
Phone 808-586-6030
Email: senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 8 Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Nishihara, Clarence K.
Phone 808-586-6970
Email: sennishihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 17 Waipahu, Crestview, Manana, Pearl City, Pacific Palisades
Riviere, Gil
Phone 808-586-7330
Email: senriviere@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 23 Kane‘ohe , Ka‘a‘awa, Hau‘ula, La‘ie, Kahuku, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, Kunia
Ruderman, Russell E.
Phone 808-586-6890
Email: senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 2 Puna, Ka‘u
Shimabukuro, Maile S.L.
Phone 808-586-7793
Email: senshimabukuro@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 21 Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Ko ‘Olina, Nanakuli, Ma‘ili, Wai‘anae, Makaha, Makua
Slom, Sam
Phone 808-586-8420
Email: senslom@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 9 Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Aina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kahala, Diamond Head
Taniguchi, Brian T.
Phone 808-586-6460
Email: sentaniguchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 11 Manoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakolea
Thielen, Laura H.
Phone 808-587-8388
Email: senthielen@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 25 Kailua, Lanikai, Enchanted Lake, Keolu Hills, Maunawili, Waimanalo, Hawai‘i Kai, Portlock
Tokuda, Jill N.
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 207
Phone 808-587-7215
Email: sentokuda@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 24 Kane‘ohe, Kane‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, ‘Ahuimanu
Wakai, Glenn
Phone 808-586-8585
Email: senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov
District 15 Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor
Saturday, March 14, 2015
WASTE NO TIME IN VOTING DOWN DLNR NOMINEE
Honolulu Star Advertiser - March 14, 2015
The marathon public and decision-making grilling sessions that Carleton Ching endured at the state Capitol provided a window into the democratic process that is rarely seen in Hawaii.
It wasn't always easy to watch the controversial nominee to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confronted by some tough questioning by the Senate Committee on Water and Land. Some committee members who opposed the nomination seemed very uncomfortable about poking at the former Castle & Cooke Inc. lobbyist and development advocate, who did bring an earnest demeanor to the process.
What Ching didn't bring, however, was any clear understanding of the agency's core mission or vision for how he would approach challenges of resource management. Neither was there any real sign that he had enough interest in the issues to bone up on the administrative processes he would be shepherding.
And for this reason, the committee came to the correct conclusion in its 5-2 vote to recommend against Ching's confirmation for the job.
The full Senate should concur with that recommendation and reject the nomination when it comes up for a floor vote.
And that should happen soon: There's been enough time for arm-twisting and vote-whipping between the start of the session and now, the session's halfway point. Ample testimony was presented over the day-and-a-half allowance for the Senate's advice and consent, so it's time for an informed decision to be made promptly.
It was a rare chance to see the Democratic leadership of the Senate in a position to turn thumbs- down on a key appointment by a new governor of their own party — one who only last fall moved up from their own ranks to the executive office, no less. The long speeches delivered along with the vote proved that the senators felt compelled to justify their verdicts.
Gov. David Ige surely knew, or should have expected, that a grueling test of endurance was coming. Environmental groups came out four-square against Ching's nomination the moment it was announced. In one voice, they expressed the unassailable position that — while Ching may have skills that befit a manager, garnered throughout his business career — the nominee's resume showed scant evidence of interest or experience in natural resource management.
Rather than address this beforehand, the governor insisted that Ching would make the case for himself in the hearing process.
He did not. And it didn't help him that state Sen. Laura Thielen, who chaired the committee, had once held the DLNR job Ching now seeks. She pressed him on hypotheticals he well could face, and in many instances his answer was that he'd seek some kind of balance, that he would ensure compliance with the law and that he'd be informed by the recommendation of staff.
As Thielen rightly pointed out, DLNR actions are driven by compliance but also by policy and administrative interpretation — all of which Ching would have influence in shaping. Staff would be waiting for direction from him, too.
The governor, who sat nearby, at one point rose while Thielen was asking about what message Ching might bring to a coming conservation conference. Ige said he didn't find such hypotheticals relevant. But absent such questions, Ching was not illuminating his own philosophy about the underlying mission of the DLNR.
The point is that, while DLNR should be charged with managing resources efficiently to best serve the public, a businesslike approach is helpful but insufficient. What seemed lacking here was the grasp of the primacy of some Native Hawaiian and other public claims to resources, rights that have been upheld in court.
Instead, Ching stressed the need to preserve what he called Hawaii's "brand," a term that reflected a rather corporate mindset about the mission.
A lot of the fault for this disastrous spectacle lies at the feet of the governor, who should have put up a qualified candidate with the capacity for the job.
And if senators are wavering about taking a difficult vote, they must now show they have the capacity to handle their own job, and just do it.
Honolulu Star Advertiser - March 14, 2015
The marathon public and decision-making grilling sessions that Carleton Ching endured at the state Capitol provided a window into the democratic process that is rarely seen in Hawaii.
It wasn't always easy to watch the controversial nominee to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources confronted by some tough questioning by the Senate Committee on Water and Land. Some committee members who opposed the nomination seemed very uncomfortable about poking at the former Castle & Cooke Inc. lobbyist and development advocate, who did bring an earnest demeanor to the process.
What Ching didn't bring, however, was any clear understanding of the agency's core mission or vision for how he would approach challenges of resource management. Neither was there any real sign that he had enough interest in the issues to bone up on the administrative processes he would be shepherding.
And for this reason, the committee came to the correct conclusion in its 5-2 vote to recommend against Ching's confirmation for the job.
The full Senate should concur with that recommendation and reject the nomination when it comes up for a floor vote.
And that should happen soon: There's been enough time for arm-twisting and vote-whipping between the start of the session and now, the session's halfway point. Ample testimony was presented over the day-and-a-half allowance for the Senate's advice and consent, so it's time for an informed decision to be made promptly.
It was a rare chance to see the Democratic leadership of the Senate in a position to turn thumbs- down on a key appointment by a new governor of their own party — one who only last fall moved up from their own ranks to the executive office, no less. The long speeches delivered along with the vote proved that the senators felt compelled to justify their verdicts.
Gov. David Ige surely knew, or should have expected, that a grueling test of endurance was coming. Environmental groups came out four-square against Ching's nomination the moment it was announced. In one voice, they expressed the unassailable position that — while Ching may have skills that befit a manager, garnered throughout his business career — the nominee's resume showed scant evidence of interest or experience in natural resource management.
Rather than address this beforehand, the governor insisted that Ching would make the case for himself in the hearing process.
He did not. And it didn't help him that state Sen. Laura Thielen, who chaired the committee, had once held the DLNR job Ching now seeks. She pressed him on hypotheticals he well could face, and in many instances his answer was that he'd seek some kind of balance, that he would ensure compliance with the law and that he'd be informed by the recommendation of staff.
As Thielen rightly pointed out, DLNR actions are driven by compliance but also by policy and administrative interpretation — all of which Ching would have influence in shaping. Staff would be waiting for direction from him, too.
The governor, who sat nearby, at one point rose while Thielen was asking about what message Ching might bring to a coming conservation conference. Ige said he didn't find such hypotheticals relevant. But absent such questions, Ching was not illuminating his own philosophy about the underlying mission of the DLNR.
The point is that, while DLNR should be charged with managing resources efficiently to best serve the public, a businesslike approach is helpful but insufficient. What seemed lacking here was the grasp of the primacy of some Native Hawaiian and other public claims to resources, rights that have been upheld in court.
Instead, Ching stressed the need to preserve what he called Hawaii's "brand," a term that reflected a rather corporate mindset about the mission.
A lot of the fault for this disastrous spectacle lies at the feet of the governor, who should have put up a qualified candidate with the capacity for the job.
And if senators are wavering about taking a difficult vote, they must now show they have the capacity to handle their own job, and just do it.
Friday, March 13, 2015
CARLETON CHING REJECTED FOR DLNR
A state Senate committee rejected the appointment of Carleton Ching as chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources Thursday, setting the stage for a contentious vote in the full Senate over Gov. David Ige's most controversial decision so far.
Members of the Senate Committee on Water and Land voted 5-2 to not recommend the nomination after two days of hearings that included testimony from dozens of unhappy environmentalists who argued Ching is not qualified to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources and its 900 employees.
The committee also spent hours Wednesday and Thursday grilling Ching on his background working for developers.
A state Senate committee rejected the appointment of Carleton Ching as chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources Thursday, setting the stage for a contentious vote in the full Senate over Gov. David Ige's most controversial decision so far.
Members of the Senate Committee on Water and Land voted 5-2 to not recommend the nomination after two days of hearings that included testimony from dozens of unhappy environmentalists who argued Ching is not qualified to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources and its 900 employees.
The committee also spent hours Wednesday and Thursday grilling Ching on his background working for developers.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
TOMORROW - HELP STOP A DLNR DISASTER
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Now!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Now!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Monday, March 09, 2015
OPPOSE CARLETON CHING TO DLNR
THIS WEDNESDAY
As President of the Land Use Research Foundation, a pro-development lobby group, Carleton Ching advocated
- to weaken protections for public access to beaches.
- to weaken protections for traditional and customary practices.
- to remove permit requirements that protect shorelines from development.
- against laws to address climate change.
- for the Public Lands Development Corporation (PLDC)
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Now!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
THIS WEDNESDAY
As President of the Land Use Research Foundation, a pro-development lobby group, Carleton Ching advocated
- to weaken protections for public access to beaches.
- to weaken protections for traditional and customary practices.
- to remove permit requirements that protect shorelines from development.
- against laws to address climate change.
- for the Public Lands Development Corporation (PLDC)
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Now!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Friday, March 06, 2015
SAY "NO!" TO CARLETON CHING -
A DLNR DISASTER
As President of the Land Use Research Foundation, a pro-development lobby group, Carleton Ching advocated
- to weaken protections for public access to beaches.
- to weaken protections for traditional and customary practices.
- to remove permit requirements that protect shorelines from development.
- against laws to address climate change.
- for the Public Lands Development Corporation (PLDC)
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
A DLNR DISASTER
As President of the Land Use Research Foundation, a pro-development lobby group, Carleton Ching advocated
- to weaken protections for public access to beaches.
- to weaken protections for traditional and customary practices.
- to remove permit requirements that protect shorelines from development.
- against laws to address climate change.
- for the Public Lands Development Corporation (PLDC)
Carleton Ching Confirmation Hearings
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Friday, February 27, 2015
CARLETON CHING - A DLNR DISASTER
CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR CARLETON CHING AS DLNR HEAD ANNOUNCED
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR CARLETON CHING AS DLNR HEAD ANNOUNCED
WHEN - Wednesday, March 11th 10AM
WHERE - Hawai`i Capitol - Room 229
Canʻt Attend? - Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR CARLETON CHING AS DLNR HEAD ANNOUNCED
Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Submit Your Opposition Testimony Today!
Submit Your Opposition Online Testimony Here -
Hawai`i State Legislature
Or By Email Here - Email My Testimony
All written testimony should indicate whether you will be testifying in person.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
OFFICIAL OPPOSITION BEGINS AGAINST CARLETON CHING FOR DLNR
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 20, 2015
Hawai`i State Sen. Josh Green has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Castle & Cooke lobbyist Carleton Ching to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
“After meeting with Carleton Ching to discuss his nomination, I have determined that Mr. Ching is the wrong choice for Director of DLNR,” Green said in a statement Friday. “Although he is personally likable, he does not have the experience, background, or expertise to lead this department. He simply is not qualified for the job.”
Green, who serves as majority floor leader and leads the Health Committee, is the first senator to publicly oppose Ching’s nomination.
“We need a Director of DLNR who has a proven record of fighting to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources, not a career lobbyist for the development industry who has a record of calling for the elimination of cultural and environmental protections,” Green said. “This nomination is the wrong choice for Hawaii, and we should not move forward with it.”
Ching’s confirmation hearing before the Committee on Water and Land is scheduled for March 11. The committee will issue an advisory vote before the matter is taken up by the full Senate.
The governor has stood by the nomination, lauding Ching’s business management experience. But opposition appears to be mounting: more than 7,400 people have signed a petition asking Ige to withdraw the nomination.
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 20, 2015
Hawai`i State Sen. Josh Green has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Castle & Cooke lobbyist Carleton Ching to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
“After meeting with Carleton Ching to discuss his nomination, I have determined that Mr. Ching is the wrong choice for Director of DLNR,” Green said in a statement Friday. “Although he is personally likable, he does not have the experience, background, or expertise to lead this department. He simply is not qualified for the job.”
Green, who serves as majority floor leader and leads the Health Committee, is the first senator to publicly oppose Ching’s nomination.
“We need a Director of DLNR who has a proven record of fighting to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources, not a career lobbyist for the development industry who has a record of calling for the elimination of cultural and environmental protections,” Green said. “This nomination is the wrong choice for Hawaii, and we should not move forward with it.”
Ching’s confirmation hearing before the Committee on Water and Land is scheduled for March 11. The committee will issue an advisory vote before the matter is taken up by the full Senate.
The governor has stood by the nomination, lauding Ching’s business management experience. But opposition appears to be mounting: more than 7,400 people have signed a petition asking Ige to withdraw the nomination.
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
"JUST SIGN A DOCUMENT & TELL US GO" - DLNR NOMINEE ON DEVELOPMENT
From a 2005 Honolulu Advertiser report by Gordon Pang on a move by Carleton Ching, Igeʻs nominee to DLNR, to remove regulations on development.
Housing developers told legislators yesterday that it takes too long to get government approvals and urged them to streamline the land-use process, in part by reducing the role of the state Land Use Commission.
The lack of affordable housing is “a supply-and-demand issue,” said Carleton Ching, director of community and governmental relations for Castle & Cooke Homes.
The housing supply cannot meet the demand when applications for such projects are tied up in the lengthy permit process, he said.
Ching was one of a number of developers who appeared before the Senate’s task force on affordable housing yesterday.
Streamlining the land-use process was among the suggestions made in a report issued Monday by a government and private industry task force coordinated by the Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai`i.
It often takes four years to obtain approvals from the Land Use Commission and another two more years to get county permits, Ching said, “and then you go get the (building) permits af
Asked by one senator how long it should take to approve a housing development, Ching deadpanned, “Just sign a document and tell us go,” drawing laughter from yesterday’s participants.
OPPOSE Carleton Chingʻs Nomination By Emailing All Hawaii State Senators At sens@capitol.hawaii.gov No Later Than Tomorrow - Feb. 4th
From a 2005 Honolulu Advertiser report by Gordon Pang on a move by Carleton Ching, Igeʻs nominee to DLNR, to remove regulations on development.
Housing developers told legislators yesterday that it takes too long to get government approvals and urged them to streamline the land-use process, in part by reducing the role of the state Land Use Commission.
The lack of affordable housing is “a supply-and-demand issue,” said Carleton Ching, director of community and governmental relations for Castle & Cooke Homes.
The housing supply cannot meet the demand when applications for such projects are tied up in the lengthy permit process, he said.
Ching was one of a number of developers who appeared before the Senate’s task force on affordable housing yesterday.
Streamlining the land-use process was among the suggestions made in a report issued Monday by a government and private industry task force coordinated by the Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai`i.
It often takes four years to obtain approvals from the Land Use Commission and another two more years to get county permits, Ching said, “and then you go get the (building) permits af
Asked by one senator how long it should take to approve a housing development, Ching deadpanned, “Just sign a document and tell us go,” drawing laughter from yesterday’s participants.
OPPOSE Carleton Chingʻs Nomination By Emailing All Hawaii State Senators At sens@capitol.hawaii.gov No Later Than Tomorrow - Feb. 4th
Friday, April 26, 2013
KANAKA GARDEN TO BE SITE OF HAWAIIAN KINGDOM OVERTHROW PROTEST TOMORROW
Hawai`i-Tribune-Herald - April 24, 2013
Sovereignty activists plan to return Saturday to the site of their “Kanaka Garden” in front of the King Kamehameha the Great statue in Hilo to continue their protest of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and what they view as an illegal occupation by the United States.
The protesters will gather at noon where they will host a potluck and begin replanting the unauthorized garden, uprooted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources on April 5, at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Gene Tamashiro, who helped start the garden of taro back in January as a way to bring attention to Hawaii’s political past, said he doesn’t know how many will show up but noted he has given notice to DLNR staff in Hilo.
Dean Takebayashi, DLNR district park superintendent, said he couldn’t comment on what the agency’s response might be.
“There are proper procedures that have to be followed,” he added, referring to use of public land.
Police and DLNR officials put an end to the garden a few weeks after at least one activist, Abel Lui, began camping at the park to protect the crops.
The protesters say 11 of them were arrested during what they refer to as an “early morning raid” by police. They were charged with illegal camping, they said, which comes with a $30 fine.
Tamashiro, a man of Okinawan descent who also started the group “Aloha Uprising, ” said the activists want to challenge the state’s jurisdiction over ceded lands, which is why they haven’t asked for permission to make the garden.
Those lands, including the park, once belonged to the kingdom. The state has responsibility for their management.
Tamashiro said he sees it as “stolen property” and wants the state to prove otherwise.
For the activists, the Republic of Hawaii, formed in 1894 after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, was never a legitimate government and didn’t have authority to seek annexation to the United States.
Tamashiro contends the evidence supports that view, even if others come to different conclusions.
“Two plus two is always four,” he said.
Tamashiro said he wants to enter into a use agreement with DLNR that would allow the garden to remain in place, a step that he doesn’t believe recognizes the state’s jurisdiction. He said the area of the park could also be used by activists to make their case to anyone visiting the statue as well as arguments for the other side of the issue to be heard.
That proposal has not yet been made to the state.
Hawai`i-Tribune-Herald - April 24, 2013
Sovereignty activists plan to return Saturday to the site of their “Kanaka Garden” in front of the King Kamehameha the Great statue in Hilo to continue their protest of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and what they view as an illegal occupation by the United States.
The protesters will gather at noon where they will host a potluck and begin replanting the unauthorized garden, uprooted by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources on April 5, at the Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Gene Tamashiro, who helped start the garden of taro back in January as a way to bring attention to Hawaii’s political past, said he doesn’t know how many will show up but noted he has given notice to DLNR staff in Hilo.
Dean Takebayashi, DLNR district park superintendent, said he couldn’t comment on what the agency’s response might be.
“There are proper procedures that have to be followed,” he added, referring to use of public land.
Police and DLNR officials put an end to the garden a few weeks after at least one activist, Abel Lui, began camping at the park to protect the crops.
The protesters say 11 of them were arrested during what they refer to as an “early morning raid” by police. They were charged with illegal camping, they said, which comes with a $30 fine.
Tamashiro, a man of Okinawan descent who also started the group “Aloha Uprising, ” said the activists want to challenge the state’s jurisdiction over ceded lands, which is why they haven’t asked for permission to make the garden.
Those lands, including the park, once belonged to the kingdom. The state has responsibility for their management.
Tamashiro said he sees it as “stolen property” and wants the state to prove otherwise.
For the activists, the Republic of Hawaii, formed in 1894 after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, was never a legitimate government and didn’t have authority to seek annexation to the United States.
Tamashiro contends the evidence supports that view, even if others come to different conclusions.
“Two plus two is always four,” he said.
Tamashiro said he wants to enter into a use agreement with DLNR that would allow the garden to remain in place, a step that he doesn’t believe recognizes the state’s jurisdiction. He said the area of the park could also be used by activists to make their case to anyone visiting the statue as well as arguments for the other side of the issue to be heard.
That proposal has not yet been made to the state.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
HAWAI`I SENATE VOTES TO DUMP PLDC
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 19, 2013
The Hawai`i state Senate has voted unanimously to get rid of the heavily criticized Public Land Development Corp.
The move comes after the state House passed a separate proposal last week abolishing the agency, which has been denounced for its broad power to develop public lands.
Despite the similar outcomes, Hawai`i senators avoided the fanfare that accompanied the House vote, when a number of representatives stood up to say the agency was a mistake. Rather, the Senate repeal sailed through without comment.
The bill creating the land agency originated in the Senate two years ago.
Although both chambers have affirmed proposals to get rid of the organization, the bills still have a long way to go before they can become law.
Both chambers must consider each other’s bills in committees and work toward a draft they both can agree upon. The Senate version of the repeal is similar to the House bill adopted last week, but the two aren’t exactly the same.
Unlike the House bill, the senators propose to keep some of the land agency’s personnel, including the executive director, by transferring them to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Since its creation, the agency has been a constant source of contention between the state and county leaders, who have condemned the agency for its ability to develop public lands without regard to local zoning or permitting laws.
The bill approved by the Senate originally started as a proposal to curtail urban sprawl, but it morphed into a repeal of the public land agency after being heard by the Senate committees on economic development and land.
Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, cited the agency’s excessive power in his report to the Senate president recommending that the agency be killed.
He said that repealing the law creating the agency is in the public’s best interest.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 19, 2013
The Hawai`i state Senate has voted unanimously to get rid of the heavily criticized Public Land Development Corp.
The move comes after the state House passed a separate proposal last week abolishing the agency, which has been denounced for its broad power to develop public lands.
Despite the similar outcomes, Hawai`i senators avoided the fanfare that accompanied the House vote, when a number of representatives stood up to say the agency was a mistake. Rather, the Senate repeal sailed through without comment.
The bill creating the land agency originated in the Senate two years ago.
Although both chambers have affirmed proposals to get rid of the organization, the bills still have a long way to go before they can become law.
Both chambers must consider each other’s bills in committees and work toward a draft they both can agree upon. The Senate version of the repeal is similar to the House bill adopted last week, but the two aren’t exactly the same.
Unlike the House bill, the senators propose to keep some of the land agency’s personnel, including the executive director, by transferring them to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Since its creation, the agency has been a constant source of contention between the state and county leaders, who have condemned the agency for its ability to develop public lands without regard to local zoning or permitting laws.
The bill approved by the Senate originally started as a proposal to curtail urban sprawl, but it morphed into a repeal of the public land agency after being heard by the Senate committees on economic development and land.
Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, cited the agency’s excessive power in his report to the Senate president recommending that the agency be killed.
He said that repealing the law creating the agency is in the public’s best interest.
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