Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Digital Modernization topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DHHL approves $1.14 million for phase 2 of system modernization, authorizes limited reallocation authority
Summary
The Hawaiian Homes Commission on June 16 approved $1,141,450 to continue phase 2 of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' system modernization project and authorized the chair to reallocate up to $500,000 within that modernization budget.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission on June 16 approved $1,141,450 from the Hawaiian Homes Trust to continue phase 2 of the department's system modernization program and authorized the chair to shift up to $500,000 between line items within that modernization budget.
The vote came after a staff presentation describing phase 2 as the continuation of earlier work to automate lease and loan processes, add e-signature and e-notary capability, and introduce artificial intelligence tools to reduce manual tasks in Homestead Services Division workflows. Debbie Oliviado, system modernization project manager, told commissioners the requested funds would "continue the system modernization work for phase 2," listing esignature, e-notaries and AI-assisted process automation as specific features.
Why it matters: DHHL has said modernization is intended to reduce paperwork, speed routine transactions for beneficiaries and create a public portal with self-service features. At the meeting residents and beneficiary leaders said they want assurance the new systems will not cut off people who rely on phone or in-person help.
Commissioners focused on limits and safeguards. Commissioner Dennis L. Nevis asked for—and staff clarified—that the chair's reallocation authority applies only inside the overall modernization budget, not across the department's entire budget. Nevis also pressed why the permitted internal shift could be as high as $500,000 when the phase-2 request totals about $1.14 million; staff explained the cap was intended to give the chair some flexibility to move monies between modernization line items if priorities change.
Public questions centered on how modernization will affect beneficiary access. Homilani Shadel, a beneficiary and former call-center staffer, said the old contact center positions were dispersed throughout the agency after a restructuring and asked how many of the seven former positions had been reassigned to Homestead Services. Staff answered that one position now supports the records/central file room and another is detailed to HSD from land management; staff and commissioners acknowledged more work was needed to ensure frontline customer support during the transition.
On the portal and training, staff said the project will include a public portal for self-service (wait-list info, document uploads, successor requests and address changes), SMS texts and mobile accessibility. Anthony Hernandez, who answered beneficiary-training questions, said the department will provide a tech-support line, online knowledge-base articles and videos and plans to run in-person workshops through district offices.
The motion to approve the fiscal request and the chair's reallocation authority passed with the commission approving the submittal after public testimony.
What happens next: Staff said phase-2 work will continue with vendor and licensing work and that the portal rollout will include communications and training for beneficiaries. Commissioners and testifiers asked staff to continue reporting on hotline staffing, portal usability and outreach to beneficiary associations to ensure the modernization effort improves access rather than creates new barriers.
