Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB269

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/21/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  

Caption

Relating To The Budget Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

Impact

The bill's appropriations include significant financial resources for legal assistance for beneficiaries, addressing their rights to land, water, and traditional practices. It also dedicates funds for education programs aimed at improving outcomes for Native Hawaiian students and allocates resources for social services to aid those in crisis. These appropriations reflect a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Native Hawaiians and addressing community-specific needs through targeted advocacy.

Summary

SB269, or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Appropriations Act of 2025, aims to provide funding for the operating expenses of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for the fiscal biennium commencing on July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. The bill allocates resources to various programs and services that support Native Hawaiians, focusing on advocacy, land rights, education, and social services. This funding is vital for ensuring the Office can continue to provide necessary support for its beneficiaries through a structured budgetary framework.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB269 appears largely positive, especially among advocates for Native Hawaiian rights and welfare. Supporters believe that by securing these funds, the bill will empower the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to better serve its constituents. However, there may be some contention regarding how efficiently the funds are utilized and whether they effectively meet the diverse needs of the community, particularly in the areas of legal representation and social services.

Contention

While the act aims to deliver crucial support for various programs, some concerns have been raised regarding the long-term sustainability of funding and the effectiveness of programs funded under this initiative. Opponents may question whether the established funding mechanisms will provide effective oversight and ensure that the needs of beneficiaries are met equitably. The bill's passage reflects an ongoing dialogue about the balance between government support and the self-determination of Native Hawaiian communities.

Companion Bills

HI SB269

Carry Over Relating To The Budget Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

Previously Filed As

HI SB269

Relating To The Budget Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HB410

Relating To The Budget Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SB903

Relating To Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR167

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Assess Its Readiness And Ability To Assume Stewardship Of The Sacred Hawaiian Grounds Of Mauna Ala.

HI SR136

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Assess Its Readiness And Ability To Assume Stewardship Of The Sacred Hawaiian Grounds Of Mauna Ala.

HI HB585

Relating To Hawaiian Affairs.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.