Bill > HB1351

This bill increases the State of Hawaii's liability limit for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) from $100,000,000 to $500,000,000 for borrowed money and guaranteed loans. The legislative findings explain that recent market conditions, including rising mortgage interest rates, increasing construction costs (exacerbated by global inflation and the 2023 Maui wildfires), have made it difficult for Hawaiian home lands lessees to qualify for mortgages or afford home construction. Following a significant $600,000,000 investment in 2022 to address a waitlist of over 28,000 applicants, the bill aims to expand the department's ability to guarantee loans by increasing its financial liability limit. The proposed change will allow DHHL to better support lessees in accessing housing through expanded subsidy and affordable mortgage programs, with the land held in trust serving as collateral. The bill includes a provision that it will take effect on July 1, 3000, or earlier upon receiving appropriate federal approval, and ensures that if any part of the amendment requires United States consent, only that specific portion will be delayed while the rest remains in effect.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1351&year=2026