HB2731 Summary

• Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to distribute all remaining Hawaiian home lands to native Hawaiians within 15 years instead of the current indefinite timeline.

• Eliminates financial ability as a consideration in awarding leases, allowing native Hawaiians to qualify for leases regardless of their capacity to obtain loans or build dwellings.

• Mandates the department develop all available lands for homestead, pu'uhonua (Hawaiian sanctuary), and communal living arrangements in addition to existing residential and agricultural purposes.

• Expands the department's authority to make loans to native Hawaiians who would otherwise be ineligible for leases due to financial constraints, including those without financial means to build or maintain property.

• Authorizes the department to pursue alternative housing models and development arrangements to accelerate the distribution of the 203,000 acres of Hawaiian home lands currently managed, with over 28,000 native Hawaiians on the waitlist.