Hawaii § 171-18 - Public land trust.
Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 171-18 — Public land trust., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 171-18. Public land trust.
All funds derived from the sale or lease or other disposition of public lands shall be appropriated by the laws of the State; provided that all proceeds and income from the sale, lease, or other disposition of lands ceded to the United States by the Republic of Hawaii under the joint resolution of annexation, approved July 7, 1898 (30 Stat. 750), or acquired in exchange for lands so ceded, and returned to the State of Hawaii by virtue of section 5(b) of the Act of March 18, 1959 (73 Stat. 6), and all proceeds and income from the sale, lease or other disposition of lands retained by the United States under sections 5(c) and 5(d) of the Act and later conveyed to the State under section 5(e) shall be held as a public trust for the support of the public schools and other public educational institutions, for the betterment of the conditions of native Hawaiians as defined in the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended, for the development of farm and home ownership on as widespread a basis as possible, for the making of public improvements, and for the provision of lands for public use. [L 1962, c 32, pt of §2; Supp, §103A-18; HRS §171-18] Note L 2025, c 289, §4 provides: "SECTION 4. Real property transferred to the department of land and natural resources under this Act shall not be considered part of the public land trust as described in section 171-18, Hawaii Revised Statutes." Cross References Act of March 18, 1959, is the Hawaii Admission Act; see volume 1. Attorney General Opinions Provides that ceded or public trust land may be alienated. Att. Gen. Op. 95-3. Law Journals and Reviews Hawaii's Ceded Lands. 3 UH L. Rev. 101 (1981). Previous Vol03_Ch0121-0200D Next
Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 171-18
What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 171-18 cover?
Section 171-18 ("Public land trust.") is part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Hawaii. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Hawaii § 171-18?
A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 171-18" (Hawaii). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Hawaii law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Hawaii official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Hawaii attorney.
How does Hawaii § 171-18 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Hawaii can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.