HI HR78

Request for the State Auditor to conduct an audit of funds appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands under Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, as amended by Act 125, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024

Act 279 appropriated $600,000,000 to eliminate the Hawaiian Home Lands waitlist by providing land, housing, and financial assistance to native Hawaiian beneficiaries

Department reported encumbering and expending approximately $193.7 million as of January 17, 2024, with the entire $600 million appropriation attached to projects by early 2025 targeting over 7,500 homes and lots over five years

Waitlist remained relatively unchanged at over 28,700 native Hawaiian beneficiaries as of late 2024 despite the appropriation and strategic plan requirements aligned with 2020 Beneficiaries Study preferences

Department failed to submit required Annual Activity Report to the Legislature as of March 5, 2025, to account for expenditures and number of assisted waitlist applicants