Bill > SR9

This Resolution requests that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), an agency established to benefit native Hawaiians, implement programs to assist very low-income native Hawaiian beneficiaries, acknowledging the significant waitlist for homesteads, the disproportionately high number of native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness, and the financial struggles many face due to rising costs and high mortgage rates, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the DHHL is urged to consider awarding vacant land leases for temporary housing with approved wastewater systems, replicating successful community housing models like Puuhonua O Waianae, and providing financial aid such as rental assistance, mortgage assistance, and down payment assistance, contingent on eligibility and available funding.