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The Maui News
A state House of Representatives working group will meet today to discuss how the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is using $600 million to address its beneficiary waiting list.
The six-member bipartisan working group, which was created earlier this year, is chaired by Democratic Rep. Troy Hashimoto, who represents Central Maui, and also includes Democratic Rep. Mahina Poepoe, whose district covers Molokai, Lanai and East Maui.
The Legislature set aside the historic $600 million appropriation for DHHL last year. The department put $17 million of that funding toward improvements at a Waikapu homestead development that broke ground on May 24, making it the first project funded through the allocation.
"We look forward to working closely with DHHL in providing oversight of the $600 million appropriated by the Legislature. This is a rare opportunity to make major investments in Native Hawaiian housing, and it is critical that funds are expeditiously and responsibly expended," said Hashimoto, who also chairs the House Committee on Housing. "This has the potential, if successful, to jumpstart and allow us to make major strides in the reduction of the long-standing waitlist."
Over the interim, the group will craft a report to be submitted to the House of Representatives no later than 20 days prior to the start of the 2024 regular session. The report will include such topics as 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 intends on working with the Administration to ensure the $600 million appropriated to reduce the waitlist is maximized to assist the greatest number of beneficiaries," House Speaker Scott Saiki said.
Other members of the working group include Democratic Oahu Reps. Daniel Holt and Scott Nishimoto, Democratic Hawaii island Rep. David Tarnas and Republican Oahu Rep. Gene Ward.
Today's meeting will take place at 10 a.m. in the state Capitol's Conference Room 329. It will be livestreamed on the House's YouTube channel at youtube.com/channel/UCvoLAX1ww3e63K8qQ5of0bw.