Hawaii Senate Bill SB750

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

Relating To Government Property.

Impact

The bill suggests that the county of Maui, with a capacity to allocate local resources and funding, could manage the boating facilities more effectively than the current state administration. This transfer could lead to improved service delivery, faster decision-making, and better integration with the county’s transportation initiatives across the islands. The South Maui transportation frameworks could potentially align better with the resources provided by these facilities, enhancing overall community transportation options.

Summary

SB750 proposes the transfer of specific state boating facilities located on Maui from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the County of Maui. The bill aims to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of these facilities, which have been noted to be in disrepair and lack proper maintenance. The facilities in question include the Mala wharf and ramp, as well as the Kihei ramp, which play vital roles in fishing, recreation, commerce, and transportation for the community.

Contention

One point of contention might arise regarding the handling of the transition of these facilities from state to county control, particularly concerning the associated revenue and maintenance obligations. Furthermore, stakeholders within the community may have varied opinions on how these facilities are managed and whether local governance would indeed provide the promised improvements. The bill also stipulates the need for the county to comply with existing laws while acquiring the ability to adopt new regulations concerning the usage and management of these facilities.