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House approves $55M one-time transfer to OHA, advances public land trust review
Summary
The House passed a conference draft that strengthens the public land trust working group and provides a one-time $55 million appropriation to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to stabilize Native Hawaiian programs amid federal funding shortfalls.
The House approved the conference committee draft of Senate Bill 903 (conference draft), a package that strengthens the public land trust working group, commissions independent review and reporting, and provides a one-time $55 million transfer from a trust holding account to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for FY 2026–27.
Representative Souza summarized the appropriation: "The $55 million appropriation is a one-time transfer from the Carry Forward Trust Holding account to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for fiscal year 2026 to 2027." She and other supporters said the funding is intended to stabilize Native Hawaiian programs — including education and health services — while the legislature and OHA resolve longer-term inventory, revenue and methodology questions tied to the public land trust.
Backers described the measure as a practical, time-limited bridge while the state develops a more transparent accounting and reconciliation framework. Opponents and some members urged careful safeguards; the bill contains a prohibition on using these funds for residential or mixed-use development projects or related infrastructure.
Supporters stressed the urgency of the appropriation after recent federal funding cuts to programs that serve Native Hawaiian communities. The House adopted the conference report and recorded votes and reservations for multiple members; the measure will proceed according to the usual transmittal steps.
