STAND. COM. REP. NO.  507

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

 

RE:   H.B. No. 860

 

 

 

 

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 860 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ACTIONS FOR QUIET TITLE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to protect kuleana lands in actions for quiet title by requiring that:

 

     (1)  Actions for quiet title of kuleana lands be subject to mandatory mediation;

 

     (2)  Court cases within the same court circuit by the same plaintiff seeking quiet title for separate kuleana lands shall be consolidated;

 

     (3)  Defendants' access to cultural and traditional practices shall not be alienated or extinguished; and

 

     (4)  Plaintiffs in these types of cases shall not recover costs, expenses, or attorney's fees from the defendant.

 

     The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Ka Lahui Hawaii Political Action Committee, Hoomana Pono, LLC., and several individuals testified in support of this measure.  One individual testified in opposition to this measure.  One concerned individual commented on this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 860 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

KANIELA ING, Chair