Kuching, these lands had been in control of the government in Hawaii since 1865.
By 1865 the King's land, that was retained in the "Great Mahele" land division instituted by Kamehameha III, had become so encumbered with mortgage debt from wild spending sprees, gambling, and general drunkenness that there was a real threat that the lands where going to be lost to creditors. After cash strapped Kamehameha V sold the Island of Niihau for $10,000 dollars cash the Hawaii Legislature became alarmed.
So, the Legislature passed a law, which was agreed to and signed by Lot Kamehameha V,  that bailed out the "crown lands" from debt, and made them also owned by the government. A three man commission was set up to oversee these lands. They were no longer able to be sold, only leased, and the money derived would go to the maintenance of whoever the King may be.