In a festive and emotional ceremony that included political dignitaries like Sen. Dan Akaka and former Gov. John Waihee, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Senate Bill 2783 to resolve past-due ceded-land payments to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The deal transfers 10 parcels of land in Kakaako Makai to OHA — land valued at $200 million.

“A debt paid,” said OHA Chair Colette Machado.

“A page turns with the signing of this bill,” said former OHA Chair Haunani Apoliona, who said OHA had been working on a settlement since 2003.