DHHL outlines Maui subsistence-agriculture lease offers; response forms due May 22, selection meeting June 20

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands told beneficiaries at a Maui orientation that it will offer subsistence‑agriculture project leases in Honokowai (Lahaina) and Pulehunui (Pūnenē), with response forms due May 22 and a project‑selection meeting for applicants scheduled for June 20.

Chair Watson, Hawaiian Homes Commission chairperson and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, framed the awards as part of a century‑long effort rooted in Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision to return Native Hawaiians to the land. "This type of subsistence agricultural award...getting you back to the soil or ʻāina," Chair Watson said, adding that the awards are intended to help families offset rising food and living costs.

The orientation outlined the scale and schedule of DHHL’s current work. Kalani Fronda, acting administrator of the Land Development Division, said the department has issued about "10,000 to 11,000 leases" historically and expects to issue roughly 6,000–7,000 leases from last year into this year. Fronda said roughly $511 million of a previously discussed funding package went toward infrastructure — roads, potable and nonpotable water, site preparation — while vertical (home) financing typically comes from private partners.

Fronda also noted a key tenant of the project leases: "While your lease for the land is only a dollar a year, it will cost money to develop as well as build your house if you choose to do that." He urged beneficiaries to use DHHL workshops and partner organizations for technical assistance and down‑payment support.

The orientation included a beneficiary testimonial. Jason Ohuna, in a recorded video, described receiving a DHHL home as a multigenerational gift: "This is legacy for them," he said, asking attendees to reach out to partner lenders and support agencies.

Staff described agricultural supports available to lessees on Maui. Julie Kaʻuhola, a planner with the department, said the subsistence‑agriculture leases require cultivation but do not require building a house, removing financial prequalification barriers for applicants. She highlighted DHHL’s partnership with UH CHTAR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience) and an on‑island CHTAR agent to provide technical assistance.

Gwen Morikawa (UH CHTAR) outlined local programs intended to help new lessees establish production, including household hydroponic systems, restoration projects in Keaukaha, a plan to restore a 14‑acre fishpond, and a summer pilot called "Ohana Garden to Grindz" that will teach 68 families home‑garden techniques.

Juan Garcia, Home State Services Administrator, reviewed successorship and transfer rules that determine who may inherit or receive an applicant’s or lessee’s interest. Garcia said applicants may designate one successor who must be at least 18 and 50% Hawaiian, and that the department will accept designations at intake. He explained: "As a lessee...you can then designate a successor, spouse, child, grandchild, sibling at 25%. All the other relatives must be 50%." He also described the department’s public‑notice process when no successor is designated and the claim windows for applicants and lessees (publication timelines and deadlines for claims were summarized at the meeting).

Organizers reviewed immediate procedural steps: the response/interest form must be submitted by May 22 to be considered; submissions after May 22 will not be accepted. Those who submit on time will be invited to the June 20 project‑selection meeting. DHHL staff advised attendees to visit informational tables after the orientation and to consult the department’s website for the presentation slides and video.

What’s next: beneficiaries who want to participate should complete the response form by May 22 to receive an invitation to the June 20 selection meeting; DHHL staff said they will hold workshops and provide partner‑led technical assistance for development planning and financing.