Bill > HR78

This resolution requests the Auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of funds appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) under Act 279 from 2022, which allocated $600,000,000 to eliminate the Native Hawaiian housing waitlist. The resolution highlights that despite this significant funding, the waitlist of over 28,700 Native Hawaiian beneficiaries remains largely unchanged, and as of March 5, 2025, DHHL has not submitted its required Annual Activity Report. The audit is specifically intended to examine how the department has used the appropriated funds in relation to the 2020 Beneficiaries Study Applicant Report, which indicated that 76% of beneficiaries prefer single-family homes or vacant lots, and 16% prefer rental or rent-to-own options. While DHHL reports having encumbered approximately $193.7 million and projected assistance for 1,489 applicants, with plans to target over 7,500 homes and lots in the next five years, the resolution seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of these substantial public funds dedicated to addressing Native Hawaiian housing needs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=78&year=2025