State lawmakers today voted to authorize the state to acquire Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.

The bill is largely symbolic, but Gov. Linda Lingle has sought the endorsement to help in negotiations with private investors on the 880-acre resort.

The state is attempting to leverage the sale of the developed portions of the resort to preserve open space at Kawela Bay and Kahuku Point.

Lingle would likely call the Legislature into special session if a deal materializes in the next several months.