David Y. Ige

(Kapolei, Oʻahu) – The Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands (DHHL) has scheduled two beneficiary consultation meetings following the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s (HHC) decision to approve a draft legislative proposal to authorize limited gaming in the form of a single integrated resort property on Department lands designated for commercial use.

As a result of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, DHHL will host the virtual meetings through an online portal on Monday, January 18 at 6 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 19 at 12 p.m. Members of the Kapolei homestead communities will be briefed ahead of the statewide meeting.

The consultation meetings will be open to beneficiaries statewide and can be accessed by visiting dhhl.hawaii.gov/government-relations on the scheduled day and time.

HHC approved the proposed legislative measure in a 5-4 vote at its regularly scheduled December 2020 Commission meeting.

“We have heard the voices of our community and the desire to provide feedback on the bold, yet desperately needed legislation being proposed,” said HHC Chair William J. Ailā, Jr. “We are at the point in the process now that we bring a Commission-approved proposal to our beneficiaries to engage in a meaningful way. The Department has already gone through extensive consultation regarding the land use designation for potential parcels being considered as part of this measure during island and regional planning efforts. Now, we are engaging with the community to express the need for a project such as this and relevant details. We ask that you come with the desire to engage in a way that benefits both our community and the trust.”

Revenues from the proposed initiative would be used to address DHHL’s dire financial state by ensuring the Department is the primary beneficiary of the gaming operation through a land lease agreement with the licensee and direct collection of a majority share of the proposed state tax on gross gaming revenue.

Beneficiaries can anticipate a postcard mailer in the coming weeks announcing the scheduled meetings.

To view the draft legislation, visit dhhl.hawaii.gov/government-relations.

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About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.

Media Contact:
Cedric Duarte
Information and Community Relations Officer
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
(808) 620-9591

(808) 342-0873
[email protected]