Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB1916

Introduced
1/26/26  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii Regarding The Protection Of Public Trust Lands.

Impact

The bill presents a robust framework for safeguarding the environment and local cultural sites by directly addressing the inconsistency of live-fire training with the state's constitutional responsibilities. If passed, this constitutional amendment would mark a significant shift in how such public trust lands are managed, particularly regarding activities that have traditionally been viewed as necessary for military readiness. This proactive measure aims to mitigate future environmental degradation and promote sustainability while prioritizing the need for community preservation over military interests.

Summary

House Bill 1916 proposes a significant constitutional amendment aimed at the protection of public trust lands in Hawaii. The bill seeks to prohibit live-fire training exercises conducted by the United States military on these lands, which include historically significant areas such as Makua Valley and Pohakuloa. Current military training practices have resulted in undesirable effects, including wildfires and contamination of both soil and water, posing risks to the environmental integrity of these areas. The legislation underscores the state's fiduciary duty to maintain and protect land resources for future generations, particularly for Native Hawaiians and the general public.

Contention

Among the points of contention surrounding HB 1916 is the balance between national defense requirements and local environmental stewardship. Critics may argue that restricting military training could hinder operational readiness, although proponents assert the need for safeguarding cultural and environmental resources outweighs such concerns. Additionally, the amendment goes to a vote among constituents, indicating that public opinion will be crucial in determining the outcome of the proposed changes. The discussions surrounding the bill reveal deeper societal values regarding land use, military presence, and environmental stewardship within the state of Hawaii.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB311

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding The Freedom Of Speech.

HI HB140

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB728

Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Protect The Right To Reproductive Freedom.

HI SB297

Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Protect The Right To Reproductive Freedom.

HI SB1284

Proposing An Amendment To Article 1, Section 5, Of The Hawaii Constitution Relating To Due Process And Equal Protection.

HI HB1216

Proposing To Amend The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii Regarding State Justices And Judges.

HI HB930

Proposing An Amendment To Article X, Section 1, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Require That The Statewide Public School System Be Thorough And Efficient.

HI SB920

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii Constitution.

HI HB488

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii Constitution To Promote Accountability In Elected Officials.

Similar Bills

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CA SB699

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TX SJR54

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TX HJR98

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB2315

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.

HI SB2265

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Enable Legislation By The People.