#public land development corporation

“It’s a big moment for the neighbor islands especially since 80% of the public lands at risk by the PLDC process are on the neighbor islands. All I can say is amen.”

The State House yesterday voted to abolish the controversial Pulbic Lands Development Corporation. The bill now heads to the governor for his consideration.

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

The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted today to advance a bill that seeks a repeal of the controversial Public Land Development Corporation.

The Senate Committee on Water and Land recommended the passage of a measure that seeks a repeal of the Public Land Development Corporation and the transfer of certain assets to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The House of Representatives will vote at noon today on HB 1133 which seeks to repeal the Public Land Development Corporation.

“The public has spoken and the House has responded,” said WAL Chair Cindy Evans (North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala). “It was made clear that the best course of action would be to repeal this controversial Corporation and that’s what we have moved to do.”

The House Committees on Water & Land and Finance will reconvene for decision making this afternoon on bills relating to the controversial Public Land Development Corporation.

Governor Abercrombie said public understanding and support are essential—without it he said, there is a possibility that repeal of the PLDC will ensue.

One outburst came from a Hawai’i Island kupuna Fumi Bonk who spoke loudly from her wheelchair before the the two PLDC board members in attendance and three staff members at the table and said, “God damn you.”

Hawaii State Counties Association President Mel Rapozo said the agency was flooded with testimony from hundreds of residents who are opposed to Act 55, citing concerns over the PLDC’s mission to create revenue from public lands.

Solomon, who voted in favor of the PLDC said her hopes were for residents to benefit from the thousands of acres held in the public trust. She issued a press release to dispel what she called “misinformation” regarding the intent of the vision of the entity.

A furious public reaction has brought attention to Act 55, a law that bypasses many regulations for developing public lands. It’s vague, open-ended, and may vest too much power in the governor.

The Public Land Development Corporation will be on Maui this week as part of a statewide series of informational meetings to discuss the adoption of new Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, which may affect small business.