[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6576575,"mediaKeyId","3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8","parentId",3085841,"title","Public testifiers urge state to complete 400+ acre Leialiʻi transfer so Lahaina survivors and beneficiaries get housing","audioSeconds",270,"startMs",5920000,"endMs",6190000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8&start=5920&end=6190","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8/thumbnail_5920000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6576575/Hawaii/Public-testifiers-urge-state-to-complete-400-acre-Leialiʻi-transfer-so-Lahaina-survivors-and-beneficiaries-get-housing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576575-dcc800562cdf3951f5a49c0f3ba5ef24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161529&Signature=OSbP1M4X~WTOTpjfSR1dS1cHRxN56~6rDvOu1EdeXqBkv2s5qGNrTAWKI0HwlPhL2HqBzhFJ6Ze95Qmdw4b9KQ9vT9BxYQUrThihg~Ifbf3Vq3lf0XBu2hhV49gwm2MFioXD871uE-z46ulFAWJfaV2pmQMC2L-mW-vN9fVw-KGREYMS5ld~~1oAlgrdPPvjZTJAcMxLlOc1jq7Bj6IcnGEv8xYC99TliSUiPNVrZ9vgDXcY9uVyYohlDK~v3g8PhlHSqN9uY84MK3P3-uYJqQ6FB2dhhH6hBW2or9Nlqkf5qq~qdOgyaF3to8DwF~yTGEMWmzSBvZJiqr~b-CLJEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of","date","2025-04-22T22:00:49.51Z","article","During public testimony at the commission meeting on April 22, a Maui beneficiary and resident outlined ongoing concerns about the transfer of more than 400 acres at Leialiʻi (Lēʻialiʻi) in Lahaina and urged the commission to ensure the full tract is transferred to DHHL to benefit beneficiaries and Lahaina fire survivors.

What was said: The testifier recounted that the commission approved negotiating and executing a transfer in October 2023, but that the state paused later in 2023 to prioritize housing for Lahaina fire survivors. The speaker said multiple agencies—including FEMA, state housing agencies and nonprofit partners—have been building or locating modular housing and other temporary units for survivors and that infrastructure funded by DHS and FEMA is being considered in negotiations.

Why it matters: The testifier said DHHL beneficiaries on wait lists could see their wait times shortened if the full Leialiʻi acreage and its infrastructure are transferred to DHHL for beneficiary housing. Testimony asked commissioners to hold state parties to their promises and to ensure that any transfer returns the full 400‑plus acres to DHHL when emergency shelter needs subside.

Commission response: Commissioners acknowledged the competing demands—post‑fire emergency housing and long‑term beneficiary needs—and said DHHL staff had been engaged in negotiations. No vote or formal commitment to a specific transfer timetable occurred during the meeting; the item was offered as public comment and a request for continued oversight.

Ending: The speaker urged commissioners to keep the transfer intact for beneficiaries after immediate post‑fire needs are met and to insist state negotiators and partners fulfill earlier transfer commitments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawaiian Homes Commission Regular Meeting - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Maui testifier asked the commission to hold the state accountable to transfer the full 400+ acre Leialiʻi tract in West Maui to DHHL so the land can reduce wait times for beneficiaries and support housing for Lahaina fire survivors.","taxTitle","Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of, Executive , Hawaii","taxId",26070,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576581,"Pulehunui group seeks feasibility funding and land‑use clarity for 646‑acre Maui homestead tract",248,6338000,6586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8&start=6338&end=6586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8/thumbnail_6338000.jpg","/articles/6576581/Hawaii/Pulehunui-group-seeks-feasibility-funding-and-landuse-clarity-for-646acre-Maui-homestead-tract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576581-8bbcb8a2340a8efddafc6164026e74fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161529&Signature=jkAqxZC0T6-OYLrGeUSPBz6xWgEczOeMVzj5dcpuXWM3BxEuo-jMwWAO0gMX09d29-Oq5-e6oLd0UM~ed0g3GQdaqWTSNbyCeH4A-rXlKyawrdwNI-ZG-JQ-YRUWWQl37-OjWRTdwtumBmJrQrQf1UCBBKWfJyS2zhI33N0e-9MNtG-7dOfpS8RQ-J7zzkjDhc7AdhfsFyes-L9rhr49lMGgM96Bdcyo5erarjPjpNi7bJSAkptYC3h3eetMpNuRAjvCjV~e3an05sfqEE-6QrUNkd6AsFHeghR-DdGxVaCjV11fwmwm6stcnDY0huJwcCZm-m7QpJn0Y6HsZP9jjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 22 meeting the Pa'opena Community Development Inc. representative described a beneficiary‑led proposal to develop a housing and farming community on the 646‑acre Pulehunui South tract in Central Maui and requested funds for design and feasibility studies.

Nut graf: Pa'opena said its proposal—driven by the Pulehunui Hawaiian Homestead Association—would create 252 subsistence farm lots and provide locally led farming, housing and cultural activities. The group asked the county to include a $383,660 line item in its FY2026 budget to pay for design and feasibility work by planning firm G70 and asked DHHL land‑management staff for a timely response to the association's November 14 land‑use pre‑application.

Details: The presenter said the project aligns with county priorities on kama'aina housing, health and wellness and cultural and natural resource protection. Pa'opena said it has county and cultural support (naming the county Maui housing director and a cultural advisor) and plans to engage beneficiaries through workshops, farming demonstrations and entrepreneurship supports. The group also referenced its presence at an upcoming Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations conference and invited commissioners to attend.

Commission response and process: The presenter said DHHL’s Land Management Division acting administrator had not yet provided a full response to the November land‑use pre‑application; the group asked the commission and staff for an update. Commissioners and staff did not vote on funding or land disposition at the meeting; the item was presented as public testimony and a request for follow‑up.

Ending: Pa'opena asked for timely processing of the land‑use application and for coordination between county and DHHL officials to accelerate feasibility work and keep the proposal beneficiary‑led.","Pa'opena Community Development, representing a beneficiary association, asked commissioners for a $383,660 county line item and a DHHL land‑use decision to advance a proposed 252‑lot subsistence farm and housing plan for the 646‑acre Pulehunui South tract on Central Maui.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576585,"Kauai tenants at Waipoli Courtyards seek clarity after HUD rejects relocation plan tied to DHHL purchase",312,6602000,6914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8&start=6602&end=6914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8/thumbnail_6602000.jpg","/articles/6576585/Hawaii/Kauai-tenants-at-Waipoli-Courtyards-seek-clarity-after-HUD-rejects-relocation-plan-tied-to-DHHL-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576585-ae34419869033f19cc503d05f85a9f6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161529&Signature=Tz~I-ht0YZ27DI~JCPumjximJXTO5pIBJx15FNamUSqvyT4mXSn99iAMEy9Iy~atsFkhSLfwL1B6qCq1JG05efFUov6wFw4t~C6I~3ihJCGuM7rt3AegOMcTabs8Tt93qcbn1vTRDM3NOl5RxAb55p-4vhTmVPgG0BgyVM0cYMPEpns0wXRcpjVlVdrzkZgiwSXWL1PpcgWS1HdDXeiFFOVGxRJRz5NFUTtzPcj2yM~S9NvGi8lsIsdeV7A0XUZVEy8XbZKLxgj8Tc-A7a5jxk0TGNG2leqay1WFbn~vHCsicWtkl4pbnXJO64-R7q3BsMWFVGVNbKXlFrRe~jC5tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of the Waipoli Courtyards apartments in Kapaa told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on April 22 that they lack clear information about a proposed DHHL purchase and have concerns after federal housing officials rejected the relocation plan submitted by InterWest Group.

At issue: The commission previously approved terms that gave DHHL an option to purchase the building with a closing date that could be extended to May 7, 2025. Residents said they were told the relocation budget in the InterWest plan stood at about $1.9 million and had been approved by HUD; residents and HUD correspondence shared at the meeting indicate HUD declined to approve the relocation plan and told DHHL it would not be involved if the proposed purchase moved forward as currently structured.

What residents said: Resident advocates asked the commission for clearer, timelier communications about whether DHHL will exercise the option to buy, for an explanation of how relocation data and budgets were calculated, and for more time to review any revised plan. “HUD declined the Waipoli Courtyard's application for mortgage insurance due to various concerns, including the relocation plan,” a HUD representative wrote to residents and DHHL, according to testimony. Residents said InterWest has begun a fresh round of interviews with tenants while the May 7 deadline approaches, which has increased uncertainty.

Why it matters: Tenants said the InterWest plan previously relied on statewide rental assumptions that could require many residents to relocate off‑island and that an inadequate relocation budget could leave households with limited options. Residents asked the commission whether it intends to extend the May 7 deadline or otherwise share a timetable for DHHL decision‑making.

Commission response and process notes: Commissioners acknowledged the confusion and requested better communication from DHHL on next steps. Commissioner comments at the meeting indicated staff and the department need to follow up with InterWest and HUD correspondence so residents can evaluate any revised relocation plan. No formal vote was taken at the meeting to extend the purchase option or otherwise change the timeline.

Ending: Residents requested prompt answers about whether DHHL will close by May 7 and sought public disclosure of the data and methodology used to build the relocation budget so tenants can comment on any revised plan before decisions are finalized.","Residents of Waipoli Courtyards told the Hawaiian Homes Commission they remain uncertain whether DHHL will exercise an option to buy the Kauai apartment complex before a May 7 contract deadline after HUD rejected the developer's relocation plan and said it would not participate in the project.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576590,"DHHL official outlines changes to rent-with-option housing model, says homestead leases will be issued earlier",320,1111000,1431000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8&start=1111&end=1431","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8/thumbnail_1111000.jpg","/articles/6576590/Hawaii/DHHL-official-outlines-changes-to-rent-with-option-housing-model-says-homestead-leases-will-be-issued-earlier","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576590-26c9b0f1d27c32bc9b3d9c5b323bdea1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161529&Signature=O5QPFTegG6gfZx-lAo9BI0bZtofGdeCa4xaRgDsqkJwiooj4LYeNbxtH5I-EoOo0Gcv75tEa9zMZU1mIjA2sfrM9d11lsV2tkFba-xWGtMX~MtZY5WmrPYc0N76kxAdx3QTRxhK3xSXk0c9gYW8W5ZJp05iwI36FIQRM1Qugb7tLiG5uAueNxGE43eRN5XloRb5P6KXLnU5PWqE0gQtybvJ8NKLg6SEQC4rp37XuMqZocnzw2B33NXGcTYlSjSXFwhWdmOKsMarp0fQNF~0ZL2A5k4c1lByfI1HKpxQdS8-gfi7G0rk58GMK0L2FGFDeDy5lWP5dyit~4WZbw2uFxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A DHHL staff member explained at the commission meeting in Kalamaula on April 22 how the department is adjusting its rent‑with‑option-to‑purchase program and other pathways to homeownership for beneficiaries.

Nut graf: DHHL described legal and programmatic changes intended to protect beneficiary interests when affordable housing projects use tax‑credit financing. Staff said DHHL now separates the land (homestead lease) from vertical construction financed by tax credits so beneficiaries can receive and convey a homestead lease even while the investor retains rights to the building during a compliance period.

What staff said: A department presenter summarized a multi‑year effort to permit alternate homeownership pathways for lower‑income beneficiaries, including a “rent with option to purchase” approach used in a previous project that placed roughly 70 families into homeownership by converting outstanding net debt into affordable financing. Staff said a key problem with the older model was that if a beneficiary died during a tax‑credit compliance period (often 15 years), they and their heirs could lose any equity—because investor equity and tax credit benefits were structured to remain with syndicators during compliance.

“To eliminate that … we changed the law,” the DHHL staff member said, explaining the department now separates land from vertical construction so it can issue a homestead lease during the compliance period. The presenter said the department will require beneficiaries in these programs to attend workshops so they understand annual income certification, inspection requirements, and HUD‑set rent limits tied to the financing model.

Options for beneficiaries: Staff described a range of products—turnkey homes, LITEC (low‑income tax‑credit) with option to purchase, Habitat for Humanity owner‑builder lots, and subsistence or pastoral lot options—and said participation in specific products is voluntary. The department representative said beneficiaries who receive paper (temporary) leases will be assessed and steered toward the product that best fits their income and circumstances.

Communications and oversight: Commissioners and testifiers raised concerns about communication breakdowns between developers and residents and about the clarity of rights for families in third‑party financing arrangements. The presenter said DHHL has hired a staff member to improve outreach and will hold workshops and site visits (including an upcoming Laiaupua/Laiaupua workshop) to explain requirements, relocation, and transfer rules.

No formal action: The discussion provided policy clarification and an outline of next steps; the commission did not vote on a new policy at the meeting.","At the April 22 meeting DHHL staff described changes to prior rent‑with‑option arrangements used to convert long‑term residents into homeownership, saying the department separated land from vertical construction to preserve homestead leases for beneficiaries during compliance periods and will hold workshops to explain restrictions and options.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6576595,"Molokai homesteaders urge DHHL to take over irrigation, allow smaller ag lots and protect historic site",2966,550000,3516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8&start=550&end=3516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085841-05bd56c1567444f6b5aa24be0b094bf8/thumbnail_550000.jpg","/articles/6576595/Hawaii/Molokai-homesteaders-urge-DHHL-to-take-over-irrigation-allow-smaller-ag-lots-and-protect-historic-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576595-88b2efb7a8f1d46589673abc4a3b19cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161529&Signature=cXg4Yo66Raq6GDCSzYJQJC2TtzBwxReKhrl~MjhBhozlqXd~nSjlkSBFRiBnPaEnX2xYmzp8vjchnEn-QKFUX9zqSCDUSsm-RiiNjBRx3RNfht1FaG7Qi0QmlDZuiiB74SvOxprq3JbtHfotHfEDfC1G9VAbixrFi35rxJJPhjF0l1RMs4PV2GumeSXvOsSgw9qKjygCht0GGMfkEkBAy4LeAcPtK3HWnF6NZlI1HZD8IRNH1~0HQSnur1pjpY5E5lC3qoX5LHdCuH0dKysJUfa9vBF9Q-imd1shJ84Phe-uUGFY74~kaGyZ8b~zVcSuY-XlIFe7ZxNzzHiCTIrQbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting in Kalamaula on April 22, Molokai beneficiaries urged the commission and staff to assume control of the Molokai Irrigation System and to make land-use changes that would let more families farm and live on homestead lands.

The Molokai irrigation system supplies water used for homestead agriculture across the island, and testifier Glenn Tevis said the system is “our lifeline to food production” and that many homesteads remain without agricultural water. “I estimate that over 100 agriculture homesteads are without access to water … it's about 150 to 200 homesteads without agricultural water,” Tevis said, arguing that lack of ag water forces families to use more expensive domestic water and reduces local food production.

Why it matters: Commissioners and testifiers said limited access to agricultural water, high utility costs, and large undeveloped lots combine to suppress farming and increase costs for families who want to grow food on Hawaiian home lands. Tevis and others said the irrigation system historically produced significant revenue for Hawaiian home programs and that mismanagement and past transfers reduced homesteader access.

Details and requests: Tevis told commissioners that the system had been mismanaged after control shifted from the Hawaiian Homes Commission to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and then to the Department of Agriculture. He said federal funding for water infrastructure had required DHHL to give up some water rights in past deals and that homesteaders originally “gave up their rights to build this system.” He urged DHHL to consider taking over the Molokai Irrigation System and suggested co-management with homesteaders and operational changes—such as running pumps at night and pursuing on-site renewable power—to reduce electricity costs.

Other Molokai speakers backed Tevis. Commissioner Kolepa said she supports taking control of the irrigation, calling water “life,” and described tours of island lands that underscored the mismatch between available land and water access. Several beneficiaries and commissioners also supported subdividing large 35‑acre agricultural leases into smaller half‑acre or 1‑acre subsistence lots so more families can live next to and farm their land; testifiers said few current lessees farm more than 10% of large parcels and that dividing parcels could increase productive use and lower per‑household infrastructure cost.

Historic site and reconsolidation requests: Separately, resident Walter Reedy asked the commission to consider reconsolidating a subdivided lot (Lot 69 E) so he can expand a food forest and protect a historic site identified in Molokai site surveys. Reedy said he and the department recently cooperated to clear invasive species from the site and requested guidance on next steps. Commission staff advised that the legal status of a subdivided lot must be checked and suggested land management staff follow up.

Pests and seed banks: Community speakers also raised conservation concerns. Beneficiary Kunani Nihiʻipale outlined a community seed‑bank effort called Niu na Molokai and warned that the coconut rhinoceros beetle threatens island food trees. She asked the commission for resources to support local nursery and pest‑response efforts to protect palms used for food and cultural practices.

Commission response and next steps: Chair Watson and other commissioners said they are considering options including a possible DHHL takeover of the irrigation system and increased outreach and workshops for lessees. The commission asked staff to gather operational and budget information, and several commissioners encouraged local co‑management or advisory groups that include experienced homesteaders. No formal motion or vote to change ownership of the irrigation system occurred at the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners and community members said they will continue follow-up on water‑system costs, potential renewable power retrofits, subdivision policy, and reconsolidation requests; staff were asked to report back with more detailed operational and legal information.","At an April 22 Hawaiian Homes Commission meeting in Kalamaula, Molokai residents pressed the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to take operational control of the Molokai Irrigation System, allow subdivision of large agricultural lots into smaller subsistence parcels, and protect a historic site in Ho'olehua.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public testifiers urge state to complete 400+ acre Leialiʻi transfer so Lahaina survivors and beneficiaries get housing

Pulehunui group seeks feasibility funding and land‑use clarity for 646‑acre Maui homestead tract

Kauai tenants at Waipoli Courtyards seek clarity after HUD rejects relocation plan tied to DHHL purchase

DHHL official outlines changes to rent-with-option housing model, says homestead leases will be issued earlier

Molokai homesteaders urge DHHL to take over irrigation, allow smaller ag lots and protect historic site