Ceded Lands

Question 1

What are ceded lands?

Answer 1

lands that were in the control of the government of Hawaii at the time Hawaii became a territory, and were “ceded” to the U.S. Most lands were returned to the State government when Hawaii became a state.
• Federal government can transfer its land no longer being used back to the State.
• Sovereign Immunity - government cannot be forced to return the land it does not want to return.

Question 2

How can the State use ceded lands?

Answer 2

for various public purposes (5 purposes).
	○ Public use
	○ Home ownership
	○ Betterment of Native Hawaiians
	○ Public education
	○ Agriculture