HB 1185 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.

• Prohibits financial ability or loan qualification from being considered when awarding leases to native Hawaiians, ensuring economic status does not affect eligibility.

• Authorizes the department to develop alternative housing arrangements including pu'uhonua (Hawaiian sanctuary) and communal living models in addition to traditional homesteads.

• Changes departmental powers from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for undertaking land development, carrying out assistance activities, and making loans to lessees.

• Requires the department to conduct a management audit and address structural management deficiencies to improve operations and expedite lease distribution.