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DHHL issues residential project leases at Ka'ulaka'i and Kaupe'a'a; staff to expand workshops for awardees
Summary
The commission approved award of 99-year residential project leases for Ka'ulaka'i Increment 2 (D/E/F) and Kaupe'a'a Subdivision Phase 2. Staff and developers promised expanded workshops and in-person assistance after awardees raised concerns about qualification, financing options and post-award guidance.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission approved awards of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands residential project leases on June 16 for Ka'ulaka'i Subdivision Increment 2 (D, E and F) and Kaupe'a'a Subdivision Phase 2. The awards are 99‑year project leases to applicants listed in the department submittals.
Kalani Franda, acting LDD administrator, and Michelle Hitsman, housing projects branch manager, described the awards as part of a broader effort to move large numbers of wait-list applicants into project leases and emphasized the department's new approaches to project-leases, including one-day award events and on-site support. Hitsman thanked staff and volunteers who helped beneficiaries through application and award-day processes.
Public testimony from awardees and beneficiary leaders stressed the need for more direct post-award guidance. Jan Makepa, who identified themselves as an undivided-interest lease awardee in a recent Ka'ulaka'i event, said many applicants were concerned about how to qualify for construction financing or other options once they received award letters; Makepa urged more workshops, clearer written guidance and one-on-one assistance. Staff said they have scheduled workshops and are coordinating with service providers, lenders and community partners to help awardees understand turnkey options, rental-with-option-to-purchase and self-help paths.
Why it matters: The project-lease awards are a central mechanism DHHL uses to convert wait-list positions into homes. The department said the new award approach is producing results and that a mix of project types (turnkey, rent-to-own, owner-builder and self-help) will be used depending on beneficiary financial readiness.
Commission action: Commissioners approved the awards. Staff committed to additional outreach and workshops to assist awardees with financing, construction options and next steps.
