Hawaiian Homes Commission Seeks Thousand Acre Transfer

The Hawaiian Homes Commission is requesting to hire private counsel for the proper transfer of funds and land from the state to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, pursuant to Act 14.

HHC Chair Willian J. Aila, Jr. issued a statement on Friday stating that he has sent a letter to Attorney General Clare E. Connors requesting a private lawyer.

“The private counsel will assist the HHC in carrying out the purpose of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act solely in the interests of Hawaiian home lands trust beneficiaries,” Aila said in the statement.

According to Aila, the DHHL briefed the commission in January of outstanding issues, which included the transfer of over 1,328 acres into DHHLʻs inventory.

“Resolving these issues is in the best interest of beneficiaries and the trust,” Ailaʻs statement continued.

“In furtherance of Gov. David Ige’s commitment to finalizing the resolution of this matter, DHHL, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the attorney general continue to work towards this goal.”