Commentary from Senator Sakamoto

May 25, 2007

Investigating the Bureau of Conveyances

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) received much attention during the 2007 legislative session and raised questions about the structure of the department.  During Peter Young's confirmation hearings, ongoing criminal investigation into the Bureau of Conveyances forced part of the hearing process to be conducted in executive session.  The Honolulu Advertiser in its May 11 editorial notes that "…the clearest call for action concerns the Bureau of Conveyances, the office that deals with the private ownership of real property."    

The department's wide range of responsibilities and jurisdictions has made it a difficult department to manage efficiently.  A joint Senate-House investigative committee will begin meeting this summer to investigate the management and fiscal practices as well as the security of records at the Bureau of Conveyances.  The investigation will benefit the public by ensuring that land title records are being handled properly and securely.