Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the NAHASDA Prequalification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Puʻuhana association presses DHHL on NAHASDA prequalification, generated ineligible letters and navigator help
Summary
Representatives from the Puʻuhana Hawaiian Homestead Association told the commission that many undivided‑interest beneficiaries face auto‑generated ineligibility notices during prequalification and need navigators, clearer NAHASDA guidance and expanded beneficiary workshops before the March 7 prequalification deadline for Puʻuhana awards.
Kainoa Leigh McDonough, representing the Puʻuhana Hawaiian Homestead Association, told the commission the group has trained beneficiaries and identified several recurring problems with mortgage prequalification and NAHASDA administration ahead of upcoming awards.
McDonough said undivided‑interest beneficiaries on Maui often lack technology access and are receiving pregenerated “ineligible” letters with minimal explanation. “She uploaded her documents...the next morning at 08:30 a.m., an email generated with the ineligibility letter and a statement stating she was ineligible. No explanation,” McDonough recounted of one beneficiary’s experience.
Puʻuhana and allied councils asked for clearer explanation of income‑eligibility rules (including 80% AMI criteria under NAHASDA), more beneficiary workshops focused on financial navigation, and the creation of navigators or trusted industry lenders to help beneficiaries complete prequalification. McDonough said the association has been holding training sessions and working with lenders, but that beneficiaries reported being told to contact a lead project lender (CPB) to obtain prequalification, which raised concerns about steering.
Commissioners and participants discussed expanding outreach and involving mortgage lenders familiar with DHHL processes. Chair and commissioners asked Puʻuhana to provide a written summary for staff and to continue coordination with NAHASDA staff and the department.
