Advocates tell DHHL commission beneficiaries at 30% AMI are in crisis and need immediate housing solutions

Dimont Manole, co‑manager of Omanapono LLC, told the commission the most urgent unmet need facing DHHL beneficiaries is housing for households at 30% or below area median income (AMI). He described beneficiaries living on welfare and said the pace of pilot programs and beneficiary consultation would leave the most vulnerable waiting years for relief.

"We're done waiting for the government to take action," Manole said. He urged the commission to work with community groups pursuing immediate, low‑barrier site options on vacant or unmanaged trust lands and asked DHHL to partner rather than pursue enforcement against beneficiaries seeking shelter.

Commissioners and other speakers acknowledged the complaint and described the complexity of program design, but several expressed willingness to convene staff, community leaders and pilot partners to explore near‑term options. Commissioner Kaneakua and others asked for concrete proposals at future meetings from community groups that said they would present solutions next month.

Next steps: The commission invited proponents to present formal plans at a coming meeting and staff said they would coordinate to ensure beneficiary voices and proposed pilot safety measures are on an upcoming agenda.