Hawaiian Homes Commission approves temporary permit and 20-year license framework for Anahola’s Kumu Camp, removes deposit and documentation fee

The Hawaiian Homes Commission on May 19 approved issuance of a temporary revocable permit and preliminary approval for a 20‑year license agreement to the Homestead Community Development Corporation (HCDC) for Kumu Camp in Anahola, Kauaʻi, and adopted amendments to the proposed permit conditions that removed a security deposit and a documentation-processing fee.

The vote came after beneficiaries and HCDC representatives described Kumu Camp as a long-running, beneficiary-driven effort intended to deter drug use and provide youth programming, training and cultural exchanges. HCDC representatives told the commission the campground has survived multiple administrative changes and now operates largely on community funds and volunteer effort.

Commission discussion focused on enforcement, community outreach, revenue treatment for homestead association licensees and the department’s policy approach to requiring audited financial statements from license holders. Commissioner Chris Neves moved an amendment to remove the security-deposit requirement and to waive the documentation fee listed in exhibit B of the…