HI HCR84

Requests the State Auditor to conduct an audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands regarding the $600,000,000 appropriation under Act 279 (2022), as amended by Act 125 (2024).

Act 279 authorized DHHL to develop residential lots and housing, purchase land, provide financial assistance to waitlisted applicants, and deliver necessary services to eliminate the Hawaiian Home Lands waitlist.

As of 2022, over 28,700 native Hawaiian beneficiaries remained on the waitlist despite the $600,000,000 appropriation; by January 2024, DHHL reported expending approximately $193.7 million with only 1,489 applicants assisted.

The audit should evaluate whether DHHL's projects align with the 2020 Beneficiaries Study Applicant Report preferences (76% preferred single-family homes or vacant lots; 16% preferred rental or rent-to-own options).

Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Auditor and the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.