KCDC President Michelle Kahane Discusses Community Benefits at DHHL Meeting

The Hawaiian Homes Commission held a special meeting on July 21, 2025, where community leaders discussed the ongoing development and benefits of the Kapolei Heritage Center, managed by the Kapolei Community Development Corporation (KCDC). Michelle Kahane, KCDC's president, presented key points about the center's role in supporting local homesteads and the distribution of community benefits.

KCDC has been receiving over $144,000 annually from the DeBartolo agreement with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This funding is crucial for maintaining the Heritage Center, which includes classrooms and a commercial kitchen, and supports various homestead communities, including Kaupea, Maluohai, Kauuoh Kahai, and Kanahili. Kahane emphasized that 46% of the funds cover operational costs, while the remaining amount is shared among the five homestead associations, providing each with approximately $15,000 annually.

Recent developments indicate an increase in funding due to a rent adjustment from DeBartolo, which will raise the community benefits package to about $31,000. This increase will be evenly distributed, allowing each entity to receive over $21,000. Kahane addressed concerns from the Kanahili board, which has expressed a desire for direct funding from DHHL rather than through KCDC. She reassured the commission that KCDC is open to this arrangement if it aligns with DHHL's policies.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of community engagement, with KCDC hosting regular meetings to ensure transparency and participation. Kahane noted that while some community members are actively involved, others choose not to participate, indicating varying levels of engagement across different homesteads.

In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting underscored KCDC's commitment to fostering community development through the Heritage Center and the importance of adapting funding structures to meet the needs of all homestead associations. The commission's ongoing dialogue with community leaders aims to enhance support and ensure that benefits are effectively distributed to improve the lives of residents in these areas.