Historic $600 million for Hawaiian Home Lands
Posted on Jul 25, 2022 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Governor Ige, legislators and DHHL officials gather at the Washington Place bill signing.
On July 11, Governor Ige signed into law HB 2511, marking the most consequential allocation of funding for the Hawaiian Homes Commission in 100 years. “Today marks an unprecedented moment in our state’s history,” said the governor of the $600 million to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). It continues the Ige administration’s push to reduce the wait list for beneficiaries. During the past eight years, DHHL has initiated new rules for subsistence ag lots, rental projects and changes to allow beneficiaries to use DNA testing to confirm parent-child relationships.
Hawaiian Homes Commission chair William J. Ailā, Jr. added, “This measure will allow DHHL to expedite the construction of thousands of new homestead lots and housing units and expand services, including down payment assistance, rental subsidies and expanded financial literacy education.” The governor also signed SB 3041, which included $328 million as part of the Kalima case settlement. “As a state, we must continue to provide funds to support the delivery of Hawaiian Home Lands to its beneficiaries,” he said.