HONOLULU (April 29, 2022) – News that the state Legislature approved a $600 million appropriation to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands marks a historic day of funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Though long in coming, these funds provide the Native Hawaiian community an opportunity to begin to heal from the injustices of the past – injustices they have suffered in their own homeland inflicted by their own state government – and have the potential to make a significant impact in the lives of our people.
We are grateful to the leaders of the House and Senate for not only recognizing but addressing the state’s obligations to Native Hawaiians this legislative session. Support for the housing needs of our people through DHHL is a key component of our strategic plan, and we applaud this year’s Legislature as one that has taken the concern for Native Hawaiians to heart while addressing the state’s critical shortage of affordable housing.
It is our mission at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to better the lives of the Native Hawaiian people and create a thriving lāhui. There is much to be done, we look forward to the work ahead and we stand ready to assist in addressing the critical housing needs of our people.
