Hawaii Revised Statutes Division 1. Government § 171-47

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the board of land and natural resources is authorized, in like manner and subject to the same conditions, including the imposition of liens and the payment of costs, as any subdivider of private lands, to petition for the construction of necessary subdivision improvements pursuant to applicable improvement district statutes or ordinances of any county or city and county in subdividing public lands for residential purposes. The board shall dispose of the residential lots so improved subject to liens consisting of the improvement assessments. For the purpose of this section the board is authorized to encumber and impose liens on public lands.