HI SCR189

Requests the Auditor to conduct an audit of funds appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) 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 DHHL waitlist by providing land and housing to native Hawaiians, with beneficiaries preferring single-family homes (76%) or rental/rent-to-own options (16%).

DHHL reported expending approximately $193.7 million as of January 17, 2024, assisting 1,489 applicants despite the waitlist remaining at over 28,700 native Hawaiian beneficiaries as of late 2024.

The entire $600,000,000 appropriation was reportedly attached to projects by early 2025, targeting over 7,500 homes and lots over five years.

DHHL has not submitted its required Annual Activity Report as of March 5, 2025, to account for expenditures and the number of waitlisted applicants assisted; directs transmission of certified copies to the Auditor and Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson.