Local News

Two Maui County lawmakers named to panel overseeing $600M in DHHL funds

House also creates working group to address Red Hill fuel storage issues

Central Maui Rep. Troy Hashimoto will chair a working group tasked with oversight of the $600 million provided to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to address its beneficiary waiting list.

The state House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday to create the working group, which also includes first-year Rep. Mahina Poepoe, who represents Molokai, Lanai and East Maui.

"We look forward to working closely with DHHL in providing oversight of the $600 million appropriated by the Legislature," Hashimoto, who also chairs the House Committee on Housing, said in a news release Tuesday. "This is a rare opportunity to make major investments in Native Hawaiian housing, and it is critical that funds are expeditiously and responsibly expended. This has the potential, if successful, to jumpstart and allow us to make major strides in the reduction of the long-standing waitlist."

Last year state lawmakers allocated a historic $1 billion toward Native Hawaiian projects and initiatives, including $600 million to tackle the Hawaiian homestead waiting list, which has grown to include tens of thousands of beneficiaries who have been waiting years for their chance at a homestead lease.

In December, DHHL said it planned to use most of the funds for homestead lot development, with the rest going toward programs to help waitlist applicants address barriers to homeownership.

Funds could also go toward the acquisition of new land, new potable water resources and individual assistance programs, including down payment assistance for new lessees, and rental assistance, DHHL said.

Hashimoto and Poepoe will serve on the working group alongside Reps. David Tarnas, Daniel Holt, Scott Nishimoto and Gene Ward.

The working group will submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives no later than 20 days prior to the start of the regular session of 2024. The report will include an analysis of topics including the leveraging or maximization of the appropriated funds, alternative financing options for beneficiaries and developers and alternative housing development options aside from homestead lot development.

The House also passed a resolution to create the House Special Committee on Red Hill to address issues over the U.S. military's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu, where fuel leaks have sparked public outcry and concerns over water contamination and other impacts.

"The Special Committee on Red Hill will continue to work closely with state agencies and community stakeholders to hold the Navy accountable for closing down Red Hill and remediation of our natural resources," said Rep. Linda Ichiyama, who also chairs the House Committee on Water and Land.

Ichiyama and Rep. Nicole Lowen will co-chair the special committee, which also includes Reps. Micah Aiu, Della Au Belatti, Sonny Ganaden, Mark Hashem and Kanani Souza.

The working group will conduct informational briefings and report its findings on a regular basis.