Senate Votes to Repeal PLDC on Final Reading

The House Committees on Water & Land and Finance unanimously adopted House Bill 1133, which would repeal the Public Land Development Corp. File photo courtesy state House of Representatives.

By Wendy Osher

A bill that seeks a repeal of the Public Land Development Corporation passed unanimously in the full Senate today on third and final reading.

In addition to repealing the PLDC, HB1133 SD2, would also transfer certain assets to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The PLDC is a state entity that was created by the Legislature in 2011, and signed into law as Act 55.

The corporation was formed to develop state lands through public-private partnerships, and create 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.

Today’s vote comes after unanimous passage by the Senate Ways and Means Committee last week. Ways and Means opted to remove a proposed amendment championed by Water and Land Committee Chair, Sen. Malama Solomon.

PLDC Watch founder and Maui resident Mahina Martin said the item, if left in place, would have caused a higher potential of the bill moving into a conference committee and being subjected to negotiations and a possible demise.

The bill has since been transmitted back to the House for further consideration.