The House Committee on Housing on March 21 passed HR 147, which establishes a legislative working group to provide continued oversight of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the execution of funds appropriated by Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.

Committee staff recorded two written pieces of testimony in support, including a submission from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. During the committee’s decision-making session, committee members expressed support for closer oversight; one member said the measure ‘‘needs to be held accountable’’ and another said ‘‘too many Hawaiians have been waiting on this list for far too long.’’ Those remarks were recorded in the committee discussion.

The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is. The record notes excused absences for several members; no recorded opposition votes were announced on the record.

HR 147 creates a legislative working group for continued oversight and monitoring of execution of funds from Act 279 (SLH 2022). The resolution itself establishes the working group; any further statutory authority, spending decisions or reporting requirements would be determined by subsequent legislative or administrative actions.

Votes at a glance: HR 147 — Chair recommendation: pass as is; outcome: adopted by committee.