Hawaii: State Legislature Considers Bill that Would Rent Out Public Library Land and Facilities as a Way to Generate Revenue For Library Programs

From the Hawaii Tribune Herald:

Senate Bill 2919 sets up a pilot program at three libraries in the state where leases of up to 55 years would be granted to lessees selected in a competitive process by the Department of Education. Money from the leases would be deposited in a newly created libraries facility fund to be used for state library programs.
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The bill is scheduled to be heard today by the House Finance Committee. With only minor changes, it already unanimously passed three Senate committees, two House committees and the full Senate.
State Librarian Stacey Aldrich offered comments during the committee hearings in support of the concept.
“In general, the HSPLS supports the intent to identify revenue generating programs to meet the mission of the public library system,” Aldridch told the House committees on Education and Water and Land. “The HSPLS notes, however, that it currently does not hold title to the lands under which the public libraries sit, nor that it has the expertise necessary to guide the HSPLS through a pilot program which involves the redevelopment, and leasing and management of library lands.”

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Read/Track the Bill: SB2919

Establishes a pilot program to generate revenue through the lease of public library lands to meet the mission of the public libraries. Establishes the library facilities fund. Requires the state librarian and board of education to report to the legislature. Makes appropriations for the pilot program and the hiring of land development experts.

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