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Hawaiian Homes Commission approves dozens of 99‑year lot leases as part of consent agenda
Summary
The commission approved multiple 99‑year DHHL lot lease awards across Maui and other islands (Pilani Maikikai, Wailuku, Leali‘i, Wai‘ehumauka, Kamalani), cleared a Homestead Services consent packet and discussed delinquency and refinance safeguards for defaulted borrowers.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission on Jan. 20 approved a series of lease awards and consent agenda items that move hundreds of homestead lots closer to development.
Kalani Franda, acting administrator for the Land Development Division, recommended approval of 99‑year DHHL lot leases and the cancellation of corresponding residential applications upon conveyance for multiple subdivisions, including Pilani Maikikai Phase 2, Wailuku Single Family Subdivision, Leali‘i 1B, Wai‘ehumauka and Kamalani on Maui. The commission voted to approve each recommendation.
Juan Garcia, Homestead Services Division administrator, presented a 10‑item consent package and said staff had resolved longstanding public‑notice items from 2019–2023. "Homestead services division has 10 items for you, for your approval," Garcia said, thanking staff for clearing claimants and paperwork.
Commissioners discussed borrower delinquency and the department’s approach to refinancing defaulted loans. Garcia said staff monitor defaulted borrowers and bring refinance recommendations after at least 12 consecutive successful payments; the commission discussed whether a shorter period would be sufficient but left the 12‑month standard in place as providing greater assurance that a borrower can sustain payments.
Chair Carly Watson noted the department and staff have been able to leverage partnerships and assistance — including roughly $600,000 in programs to help defaulted borrowers since 2025 — to reduce delinquencies and add funds available for new loans.
The approvals clear multiple lots for conveyance and project lease work that staff said will be used with developer financing and other tools to accelerate occupancy.
