Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administrative Processing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beneficiaries press DHHL for faster processing of contested‑case requests and right‑of‑entry pre‑applications
Summary
Multiple beneficiaries told the commission they have waited months or years for contested‑case hearings and right‑of‑entry (ROE) pre‑application reviews. DHHL staff promised follow‑up and commissioners encouraged administrative action to bring requests to the commission next month.
Two beneficiaries used public testimony to press DHHL staff for clearer timelines and faster action on contested‑case requests and a right‑of‑entry pre‑application.
Robin Keleʻi Nohomoku, who identified herself as a lineal descendant with pending matters for Waimānalo, said she had retained counsel and had not received information about assignment of a hearings officer after a January 17 letter. Juan Garcia, Homestead Services staff, said the department’s recommendation memo was pending and he would follow up with counsel and the deputy attorney general; Garcia told Robin the department would take action on her request at the next commission meeting.
Keiko Enomoto, speaking for Paʻupena Community Development Corporation, asked that a ROE pre‑application for Pulehunui (Central Maui) be elevated in priority. She said Paʻupena submitted a non‑homesteading land‑use pre‑application on Nov. 14, 2024 and, after a 90‑day review period, had not received timely action. She requested a commission vote on the ROE pre‑application at the October 20, 2025 commission meeting on Maui and asked DHHL land‑use staff to reconsider assigned priorities.
Commissioners and DHHL staff responded that administrative memos and recommendations were pending and that the department would act to bring contested‑case requests and certain pre‑applications to the commission for consideration. No formal vote on any ROE or contested‑case matter occurred during the session.
Ending: Staff committed to follow up with counsel and to place recommendations before the commission at a future meeting; beneficiaries asked for clearer, timely communication about scheduling and priority rules.
