Kapua Lands Acquisition Passed by Legislators

Kaiali’i Kahele. Photo courtesy Office of Governor David Ige.

The Senate Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture voted to pass Senate Resolution 46 on Wednesday.

SR46 was one of the final pieces of legislation Senator Gil Kahele pushed for prior to his passing earlier this year.

The legislation requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to engage in negotiations with the current land owners on the makai land of Kapua to acquire the lands on behalf of the state or to lease those lands in perpetuity on behalf of the state.

“Our late colleague, Senator Gil Kahele, had the dream of the state purchasing the Kapua makai lands. This resolution will make it possible to see this dream become reality,” said Senator Mike Gabbard, chair of the Water, Land, and Agriculture committee, in recommending that the resolution be passed.

As one of his last actions as a state legislator, the late Senator Gilbert Kahele signed SB3071 for its introduction during the 2016 session, which would have required the DLNR to engage in negotiations to acquire the Kapua makai lands.

Kaiali‘i Kahele was appointed to the seat vacated by his father following his death in January.

SR46 was drafted by Senator Kaiali’i Kahele, who was determined to ensure the process to preserve the lands would continue, despite SB3071 being stalled in conference.

“This is not just for my dad, but for generations of keiki,” said Senator Kaiali’i Kahele. “This area has significant archeological and culturally historical value and must be preserved.”

SR46 is the final resolution to be heard this legislative session and will be voted on the floor on Thursday