BRIEF: Committee Votes Today on Repeal of PLDC

PLDC hearing on O’ahu. There was also an overflow area set up outside the room with a TV screen for those that were unable to fit in the public hearing room. Photo courtesy Mahina Martin.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 12:43 p.m. 4/1/13)

The Senate Ways and Means Committee today recommended the passage of HB1133, with amendments.

The measure seeks a repeal of the controversial Public Land Development Corporation and transfers certain assets to the Department of Land and Natural Resources..

The votes were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Ige, Kidani, Chun Oakland, Dela Cruz, Espero, Kahele, Keith-Agaran, Kouchi, Ruderman, L. Thielen, Tokuda, Slom; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) English.

(Posted: 7:58 a.m. 4/1/13)

The Senate Ways and Means Committee will vote today on a bill that seeks a repeal of the controversial Public Land Development Corporation.

The PLDC is a state entity that was created by the Legislature in 2011 to develop state lands through public-private partnerships.

The corporation was formed after being signed into law as Act 55, creating a way to generate revenues for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Opponents and supporters alike have expressed heated sentiment over the establishment of the agency and its impact on the people of Hawai’i.

Earlier this month, the Senate Committee on Water and Land recommended the passage of HB1133.