Bill > SR183

This Resolution urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), a government agency responsible for managing lands set aside for native Hawaiians, to actively involve its beneficiaries in decisions regarding the disposition of Hawaiian Home Lands. Specifically, it calls for "beneficiary consultation," which is defined as a direct, timely, and interactive process where the DHHL provides at least 45 days for beneficiary organizations to offer input on significant actions, including the sale or leasing of lands to non-native Hawaiians. This consultation must include various communication methods like in-person meetings, mail, email, or social media, and requires notification to all registered beneficiary organizations. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of "homestead beneficiary agreements," which are contracts where non-beneficiary lessees provide community benefits and funding to homestead associations. Furthermore, the DHHL is urged to prioritize leasing to native Hawaiian applicants on waitlists before considering dispositions to non-beneficiaries, to obtain homestead beneficiary agreements as a condition for land dispositions, and to inform beneficiaries about any changes to lease criteria or financial earnings. Finally, the DHHL is encouraged to provide quarterly reports to the Legislature and beneficiaries on property disposition and to maintain this information on its website, along with conducting at least two auctions per year for waitlisted beneficiaries.