Historic $600M funding bill for Hawaiian Home Lands signed into law

Governor David Ige today signed into law the most consequential allocation of funding for the implementation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, in its 100-year history.

HB2511 (Act 279), Relating to The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, allocates $600 million in funding to the department in a renewed step forward in the fulfillment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and its promise to native Hawaiians.

“Today marks an unprecedented moment in our state’s history,” said Gov. Ige. “I am very pleased that the Hawaiʻi State Legislature approved this bill and forwarded it to me for my signature. Last summer, we gathered to commemorate the centennial signing of the Act and broadly agreed that while much has been accomplished, much more was needed. Today, with the signing of HB2511, we are providing a one-time allocation of $600 million to address the housing needs of native Hawaiians.”

Gov. Ige said that with housing costs at an all-time high, this funding will allow DHHL to develop new housing units and expand on resource services for beneficiaries in various circumstances.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair William J. Ailā, Jr. issued a statement following Gov. Ige’s signing of HB 2511 into law saying, “Sufficient funding to develop the raw landholdings of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust has been elusive for decades. Today’s signing marks a turning of the page from this dark past to a brighter future for native Hawaiians.

“The measure will allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expedite the construction of thousands of new homestead lots and housing units throughout the state. DHHL will also leverage its federal funding and trust assets to expand housing services to beneficiaries including down-payment assistance, rental subsidies, and expanded financial literacy education. These resources offer us an aggressive way forward. I thank the legislature for their bold decision making and Gov. Ige for his acknowledgment and support of the promises made to native Hawaiians,” said Ailā.