Informing the Legislature that on June 28, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2626 HD1 SD1 (ACT 124).

This message from the Governor of Hawaii informs the Legislature that HB2626, known as Act 124, was signed into law on June 28, 2024. The bill directly affects the management of government-owned Hawaiian fishponds by updating state statutes to clarify how these sites can be leased and maintained. Key provisions allow the relevant board to lease fishponds without seeking separate legislative approval if a public hearing is held, the lease has no significant environmental impact, and the applicant demonstrates knowledge of traditional Hawaiian practices. Additionally, the law explicitly prohibits the sale of the fee interest in the public lands where these fishponds are located.