S.C.R. NO. 177 - Summary

• Congress established the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921, dedicating 203,000 acres of land to benefit Native Hawaiians, with fewer than 100,000 homesteads settled and nearly 28,000 beneficiaries remaining on the waitlist.

• Urges the Hawaiian Homes Commission to work with beneficiaries and organizations to maximize utilization of trust lands and assets, including leases and operating agreements for homestead communities.

• Requires consultation with beneficiaries through multiple communication methods prior to any disposition of Hawaiian home lands, improvements, easements, public leases, or mercantile licenses.

• Directs the Department to provide quarterly reports to the Legislature and beneficiaries on inventory of formerly leased properties, maintain online listings, and conduct property auctions to the waitlist at least twice per year.

• Requests the Department submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by 20 days prior to the 2021 Regular Session regarding efforts to improve beneficiary access to Hawaiian home lands and trust assets.