HI HB1397

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to distribute all remaining Hawaiian home lands to Native Hawaiians within fifteen years through leasing (changed from "may" to "shall").

Eliminates financial ability as a consideration in awarding leases; applicants may not be denied based on ability to build/maintain property or qualify for loans.

Authorizes the department to develop alternative housing models including pu'uhonua (places of refuge) and communal living arrangements in addition to traditional homestead leases.

Requires the department to conduct annual management and financial audits, and mandates filing all leases with the Bureau of Conveyances by January 1, 2026.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2021-2022 to fund an actuarial study on current and projected Native Hawaiian populations eligible for Hawaiian home land leases, with report due to Legislature by 2023.