OHA committee approves measure to add water expertise and give OHA a nominating role on Land Use Commission
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Summary
The committee approved a bill to add a Land Use Commission seat with water-management expertise and to designate OHA as the nominating agency for the seat reserved for traditional Hawaiian land-practices expertise, citing concerns about water resources and long-range development impacts.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs committee approved a measure to change the composition and nomination process for the Hawaii State Land Use Commission (LUC), adding a seat with water-management expertise and making OHA a nominating agency for the seat designated for traditional Hawaiian land-practice knowledge.
Presenters said the LUC’s reclassification decisions — which can convert conservation or agricultural land to more intensive uses — raise long-range concerns about water resources and cumulative impacts. The proposed amendment to HRS section 205-1 would ensure at least one sitting LUC member has substantial experience in water management and would allow OHA to nominate the existing seat that is intended for someone with expertise in traditional Hawaiian land management.
Trustee action: The committee moved and approved the measure during the convention meeting. The transcript records the motion and a roll call confirming approval; specific vote tallies were not provided in the meeting record.
Next steps: The committee-approved language will be included in OHA’s 2026 legislative package and forwarded to the full Board of Trustees for the Board packet and legislative tracking.
