Original Hawaiian Homes Leases Near 99-Year Mark

The first leases awarded through the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act are approaching their 99-year limit.

According to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in a press release sent out today, beneficiaries in Kalamaʻula and Hoʻolehua on the island of Molokaʻi can submit requests to extend their leases for an additional 100 years.

“Over 100 years ago, Prince Kūhiō sought to return native Hawaiians to the land through a homesteading program,” Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair William J. Aila, Jr. stated in the release.

“The families in Kalama`ula and Ho`olehua exemplify his vision of rehabilitation. Without their success in the early years, we would not be continuing today.”

The leases were awarded to 42 native Hawaiians in Kalama’ula through a pilot program after Congress passed the HHCA in 1921.

In the news release, the department stated that the program served as the “foundation of homesteading today.”

“The early success of these homesteaders, who relocated from across the island chain, paved the way forward for the realization of Prince Kūhiō’s vision,” the release continued.

A link to the lease renewal form is available here.

Completed forms must be submitted to the Molokaʻi district office, located at Kūlana ‘Ōiwi Complex, 600 Maunaloa Highway Bldg D, Kalama`ula, Moloka`i 96748.

The office is open from Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beneficiaries may contact the office at (808) 560-6104 for more information.