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Dimont Manole defends stewardship pilot after DHHL enforcement letter; commission pledges review
Summary
Dimont Manole and a partner defended a pilot stewardship project on vacant DHHL land, disputed an enforcement letter alleging violations, and provided photos and video as evidence. Commissioners said staff would continue to work with the participants and the project would be reviewed.
A homestead steward under a pilot right-of-entry program told the Hawaiian Homes Commission that an enforcement letter from DHHL contained inaccurate claims about their activities and that the stewardship effort had improved a previously derelict parcel.
"There's no lie on me, bro," said Demont (Dimont) Manole, who told commissioners he has documented work, photos and video showing subsistence agriculture, fence repairs and clean-up performed with volunteers. Manole said the parcel had been vacant and full of debris before their work and defended the presence of invitees and volunteer trucks that helped repair gate and fence lines.
His spouse described blisters from weeding and said the project provides eggs and food for participants. The pair said a cited statute (Hawaii vice statute 171 in the transcript) applies to DLNR, not the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and cautioned against mischaracterizing legal authority. "The commission, your job, you are the executive board of the department," Manole said, pressing the commission to ensure the department's enforcement aligns with the commission's oversight.
Commission staff acknowledged the emotional hurt and said they would continue to work with Manole and the project team, noting the project remains under review by the appropriate internal working group and enforcement unit. The commission accepted photos and records into evidence and encouraged ongoing collaboration to produce data that staff could evaluate.
