A beneficiary speaker told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on Sept. 16 she is concerned about the Kamalani project’s proximity to historically contaminated lands and asked DHHL to ensure testing and safeguards before proceeding.

What was said: Carol Lee Kamekona, speaking for beneficiaries who attended a November 2024 site visit and later meetings, said local testimony indicated beneficiaries were not given full consultation before DHHL moved forward on the Kamalani purchase. She cited public records and press reports that allege repeated pesticide violations and criminal fines against a neighboring agricultural company (cited in testimony as Monsanto) and asked whether adequate testing and environmental safeguards are in place for a parcel bordered by Waiakoa Gulch. "With the potential of 400 homestead lots next to Monsanto," she asked, "who cares only for its bottom line? Does this commission want that liability or legacy?" She urged that DHHL put beneficiaries first and ensure robust testing and health protections if the project proceeds.

Department reaction: Commissioners said they would ask staff for copies of the media citations and relevant investigative records and review whether additional testing or conditions should be required before advancing the sale or development. No formal pause or vote was recorded.

Ending: The commission asked for follow-up documents and said it would review the historical records referenced by the speaker before taking further action on the Kamalani parcel.