DHHL orientation in Lihue lays out plan to issue more than 1,000 project leases on Kauai

Kalani Frondo, acting administrator for the land development division, opened the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands orientation in Lihue by saying the Kauai residential wait list stands at 1,711 names and that DHHL is “accelerating” its project-lease awards to move families into homes. He told attendees DHHL awarded roughly 2,500 project leases statewide in 2025 and is on track for about 3,700 by the end of 2026.

"It's not just a number. It's names that behind that is Ohana that have been waiting for a while," Frondo said, framing the program as a move from bureaucratic lists to homes for families. He also highlighted a recent appropriation of $600,000,000 under Act 279 that the department plans to use toward development and community expansion.

The orientation explained DHHL’s shift to issuing project leases — awards that designate a project area rather than a specific lot — and emphasized that awards will be followed by additional steps (lot selection, infrastructure, and construction). Staff urged beneficiaries to use proxy or power-of-attorney options if they cannot attend award events in person.

Frondo closed by encouraging beneficiaries to stay engaged with district staff and to provide testimony to the legislature supporting funding requests. He said recorded materials and award information will be posted to DHHL’s awards page for later review.

The orientation included time for questions from the floor and a presentation from a HUD-approved housing counseling nonprofit about the financial-assessment process.