HONOLULU — Governor Linda Lingle has signed into law a bill to strengthen the State’s and community’s ongoing collaborative efforts to preserve valuable lands and natural resources throughout Hawai‘i for future generations. The bill (SB2423 SD2 HD2 CD1), which becomes Act 140, provides the Governor with additional negotiating tools to use in acquiring and protecting nearly 1,300 acres of land on Oahu’s North Shore, including the makai and mauka lands from Kahuku Point to Kawela Bay.

Act 140 authorizes the Governor to acquire the area, known as the “Turtle Bay property,” through a variety of means, including direct appropriations, general obligation bonds, exchange of public lands, federal funds, private funds or other negotiated agreements. While the bill also authorizes the use of eminent domain, the Administration believes this is not a preferred option and would only be used as a last resort.

“Since I first raised the idea to acquire and preserve the Turtle Bay property, support from all sectors of the community across our state, including legislators, businesses, environmental groups and unions has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Governor Lingle. “This new law provides additional support in our collaborative effort to ensure this important part of Oahu’s North Shore remains in public hands for the benefit of future generations.”

Governor Lingle first raised the idea to purchase the Turtle Bay property in her State of the State Address in January 2008. A Governor’s Turtle Bay Advisory Working Group, comprised of community, business, government, non-profit and union leaders, has been meeting to address how to acquire the property and preserve it for public use, while also maintaining the economic viability of the existing resort. To minimize the use of public funds, the State would sell the resort hotel, golf courses, related businesses and condominiums as part of the financing.