DLNR Chair Appoints Task Force on Revocable Permits

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case. File photo by John DeMello.

State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case has appointed an eight-person task force to review the department’s revocable permit process, permit status, and to recommend changes to ensure the process serves the public trust and provides transparency, inclusiveness and consistency.

“This panel of experts will focus on the reasons for revocable permits versus leases or other dispositions, on opportunities for competition, the duration of revocable permit terms, pricing (including establishment of value and any reasons for discounted value), and a review of all current long-term revocable permits,” said Case.

The task force will identify the best practices and articulate the principles to be applied. In addition, the group will update the Board of Land and Natural Resources on its review process and submittal forms and propose specific revocable permits for reconsideration by the BLNR as appropriate.

A DLNR release noted Thursday that the panel may also recommend the implementation of administrative rules that govern the issuance of revocable permits.

Findings and recommendations by the committee will we reported to the chairs of the Hawai’i State Senate Water, Land and Agriculture Committee and the State House Water and Land Committee by the end of April.

According to the DLNR, new practices for revocable permits are expected to be in place by June 30.

The task force is made up of Chris Yuen, Board of Land and Natural Resources member; Paula Harris, real property professional; Scott Glenn, Office of Environmental Quality Control; Jeff Pearson, DLNR Water Deputy; and administrators or designees of DLNR Divisions, including Land, Boating and Ocean Recreation; State Parks; and Forestry and Wildlife.