Bill > SCR15

This Concurrent Resolution urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), a state agency responsible for managing lands for Native Hawaiians, to create programs specifically designed to help Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who have very low incomes. The resolution highlights the significant challenges faced by Native Hawaiians, including a long waitlist for housing and farming opportunities, a disproportionately high rate of homelessness, and increasing difficulties in affording rent and mortgages due to rising costs, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these issues, the DHHL is encouraged to consider solutions such as awarding leases for vacant land where temporary, county-approved structures with proper wastewater systems could be placed, replicating a successful community housing model called Puuhonua O Waianae on other islands, and providing financial assistance for rent, mortgages, and down payments, provided beneficiaries meet eligibility requirements and funds are available.