Multiple Lanai beneficiaries used the public comment period at the Nov. 1 meeting to press DHHL staff on operational issues after staff presentations.

Several speakers described challenges with successorship paperwork after the death of a parent. One attendee said family successor documents had been lost and asked whether the family could refile; DHHL staff responded that extra lots and staff follow-up should allow rectification and that families should resubmit successor documentation so staff can reissue leases where appropriate. A speaker asked if there is a deadline for the second-increment leases; staff said there is no general deadline to apply but that particular delivery pathways (for example, rent-with-option-to-purchase structures tied to low-income housing tax-credit applications) have submission deadlines that require timely income documentation and completion of workshops.

Several residents also raised site-preparation concerns. A former island homestead association president asked who will remove dumped vehicles and heavy machinery left on lots, urged neighbors not to leave junk on lots, and asked DHHL and the community to ensure lots are cleared before occupancy. Staff and the chair acknowledged the problem and said DHHL would follow up to resolve individual cases.

Testimony also covered kupuna housing preference and accessibility. Staff clarified that some kupuna projects emphasize Hawaiian preference but may be means-tested or targeted by indigency; an accessibility advocate urged consideration of universal design features (single-floor layouts, accessible bathrooms) to support residents transitioning from hospital care or who use mobility devices.

A question about lowering the 50% Hawaiian blood‑quantum threshold for initial awards drew a staff reply: reductions historically have focused on successor rules rather than initial award eligibility, and any change to initial eligibility would be a major policy change likely to draw substantial debate. Staff noted a congressional bill to reduce successor thresholds was under consideration; no change to the 50% baseline for initial awards was adopted during the meeting.

Speakers thanked DHHL and county partners for progress but asked for clearer local processes, assistance with paperwork and continued outreach.