HONOLULU, Hawaii – A senate bill establishing a temporary working group to study the preservation of Waipio valley was passed through a key House Committee.

The bill, which would also appropriate money for the purchase of Bishop Museum land in the valley, was introduced by Senator Malama Solomon.

SB3063 has passed through the senate and on Wednesday it was heard by the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs.

Ken Rock Higa was there to testify in support of the intent of the bill. The measure also has the support of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Bishop Museum. However, there seems to be a growing distrust of the bill, as reflected in the testimony.

“We oppose SB 3063 unless significant amendments are made to address issues relating to community input, public access, and acknowledgment of current vested interests of Bishop Museum lessee’s and community organizations prior to appropriation of funds for purchase of land,” wrote Jesse Keone Potter, president of Pohaha I Ka Lani. “Many valley residents, community members, and organizations like ours have only become aware of SB 3063 through indirect means rather than direct community engagement. A matter involving the future of Waipi‘o Valley should be brought to the community prior to legislative appropriation of funds.”

“As a former resident and taro farmer in Waipi’o Valley,” wrote Edie Bikle, “I am going to oppose the state buying Bishop Estate properties until I learn more about the motives behind this acquisition.”

Overlooking Waipio Valley

Status of bills represent up-to-date information via State Legislative website

SB3063 SD2 HD1: RELATING TO DISPOSITION OF LANDS IN WAIPIO VALLEY

[hungryfeed url=”http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2014/rss/SB3063.xml” feed_fields=”” item_fields=”title” max_items=”1″]

Senate Bill 3063 SD 2 HD 1:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Waipio valley in the district of Hamakua, island of Hawaii, possesses cultural, historic, and natural resources that are of high value to the State. These resources are integral to the historic, cultural, and natural identity of the State, and protection and management of these resources will benefit the people of Hawaii.

The legislature further finds that the acquisition of privately owned lands or interests in lands in Waipio valley would enhance public access to and permanent protection of these resources. The legislature also finds that active management of the resources in Waipio valley is necessary to protect them against overuse, invasive species, and other threats to their continued existence.

The department of land and natural resources is considering purchasing land located in Waipio valley from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to establish a temporary working group to develop an action plan to preserve natural, cultural, and historic resources in Waipio valley.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources shall establish a working group to examine possibilities for partnerships to acquire lands in Waipio valley. The working group shall consist of the following members or their designees; provided that private parties are willing to participate:

(1) The chief executive officer of the office of Hawaiian affairs;

(2) The executive director of the agribusiness development corporation;

(3) The mayor of the county of Hawaii;

(4) The president of the Waipio Taro Farmers Association;

(5) The executive director of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust;

(6) The chief executive officer of Kamehameha Schools;

(7) The president and chief executive officer of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum;

(8) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources;

(9) One landowner in Waipio valley, to be selected by the chairperson of the board of land and natural resources; and

(10) Any other members whom the chairperson of the working group deems necessary.

SECTION 3. The chief executive officer of Kamehameha Schools or the chief executive officer’s designee, if willing, shall chair the working group. If the chief executive officer of Kamehameha Schools or the chief executive officer’s designee is not willing to chair the working group, the chairperson of the board of land and natural resources shall chair the working group.

SECTION 4. The working group shall:

(1) Develop an action plan that explores and identifies important natural, cultural, and historic resources for protection at Waipio valley and identifies conservation options for the protection of these resources, including the purchase of land in Waipio valley; and

(2) Submit a written final action plan, including recommendations and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

SECTION 5. The working group shall cease to exist upon submission of the report to the legislature.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.