Developers propose donating 22.7 acres near Kapolei to DHHL; commission asked to authorize negotiations amid beneficiary concern

Kalani Anahole Development told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on Dec. 16 that it intends to donate about 22.7 acres near Fort Weaver Road and Kapolei to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) while the developer’s affiliated entity would hold a ground lease to build and operate a commercial project.

The department asked the commission to authorize staff to negotiate an agreement to accept the donation, subject to specified lease terms and beneficiary consultation. Commissioners and a string of homestead leaders and beneficiaries asked for more detail on valuation, the department’s revenue share and how beneficiaries would be consulted.

DHHL staff said the requested authorization is the first step and that the department would return to the commission for approval of any negotiated lease. The item generated extended public testimony both supporting and opposing the proposal, and commissioners asked staff to confirm legal parcel references (TMKs) and to complete beneficiary consultation before any final acceptance.

Kalani Anahole CEO Patty Tancayo described the offer during the presentation: “This property is worth $6,000,000. We’re gonna donate it to the department,” and said her development team would…