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DHHL approves multiple 99‑year lease awards across islands, highlights developer partnerships
Summary
The Hawaiian Homes Commission approved 99‑year lot leases for applications across Honoka‘i, Pilani Kekai, Kaumāna, Lāna‘i and Pohōna projects and staff described using Act 279 funds, LIHTC structures and developer partnerships to expand homestead awards.
Commissioners approved multiple 99‑year lot leases Nov. 17 for DHHL projects across several islands.
Michelle Hitzman, Housing Projects Branch manager, presented the recommended awards: 11 applicants for the Honoka‘i agricultural subdivision (E1), the listed applicant for Pilani Kekai phase 2 residential lots (E2), the Kaumāna residential vacant lot award (E3), 37 awardees for the Lāna‘i residential project (E4) and two awardees for the Pohōna turnkey residential project (E5). Hitzman stated the awards were for 99‑year lot leases and recommended Commission approval; each item was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Commission discussion focused on increasing participation and improving cost efficiencies for island projects. Chair Kali Watson and staff described outreach to adult children of existing applicants and coordination with county developers to expand shared amenities and reduce per‑lot costs on islands where property availability is limited. Staff said one Lāna‘i project could expand from the 37 approved lots toward roughly 75 lots if participation increases.
In a related update, staff said Puhono/Waiahō phase awards are moving actively, with roughly two houses becoming occupancy‑ready each week and about 161 awardees active in the phase work. Staff cited use of Act 279 funding and creative financing structures — including monetizing affordable housing tax credits and using Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects (rent with option to purchase) — to expand acquisitions beyond DHHL’s historic inventory. Chair Watson said the department has used Act 279 resources (approximately $600 million authorized in the program) across about 28 projects and that, cumulatively, roughly 430 of about 1,100 anticipated awards have been issued to date.
The Commission approved each lease award by motion. Staff said several projects will continue outreach to fill wait lists and to finalize phase‑by‑phase awards and construction timelines.
