What's Happening?
The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) has authorized the conveyance of 318.25 acres of state-owned lands in the Waiākea area of Hilo to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This transfer is a crucial step in resolving long-standing
claims related to the use or alienation of Hawaiian home lands between August 21, 1959, and July 1, 1988. Governor Josh Green has expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing its importance in honoring the state's commitments to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The decision by the BLNR on Friday marks significant progress in a process that has been ongoing for decades, aiming to make the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust whole. The final conveyance of this parcel is still subject to approval by the 9-member Hawaiian Homes Commission, the governing board of the DHHL. If approved, the total acreage conveyed would exceed the outstanding balance owed to the department.
Why It's Important?
This land transfer is profoundly important for Native Hawaiian communities, as it directly addresses historical injustices and aims to fulfill the state's commitment to providing land for homes and communities. Governor Green highlighted that this decision will offer opportunities for Native Hawaiian families to establish homes and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations. The Hawaiian Home Lands Trust was established to return Hawaiians to their ancestral lands, and the resolution of these claims is vital for the trust's mission. The transfer of these lands can alleviate some of the pressure on the DHHL's extensive waiting list, which currently includes approximately 30,000 beneficiaries. By providing more land, the state is taking a tangible step towards enabling more Native Hawaiians to access homestead leases, fostering economic stability and cultural continuity within these communities. This action also underscores the state's dedication to rectifying past grievances and supporting the self-determination of Native Hawaiians.
What's Next?
The next critical step involves the approval of the final parcel's conveyance by the 9-member Hawaiian Homes Commission. This approval is necessary for the transfer to be fully effectuated. Following this, the DHHL will likely proceed with plans for developing these lands to create homestead lots for beneficiaries. The state Land Board has been working with DHHL for several years to identify lands for conveyance in fulfillment of Act 14, which was passed in 1995 to settle claims between the department and the state. The recent approval of transferring eight parcels totaling about 334 acres to DHHL in August reduced the outstanding balance owed, and the Waiākea land transfer will further contribute to this. The DHHL's ongoing efforts to reduce the waiting list for homesteads will continue, with plans to offer nearly 4,900 more leases next year, aiming for a total of over 10,000 leases in five years.
Beyond the Headlines
The transfer of the Waiākea lands carries significant ethical and cultural implications, extending beyond mere acreage. It represents a continued effort to honor the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, a federal act designed to rehabilitate the Native Hawaiian population through land ownership. The long history of deferred hopes for Native Hawaiian families on the waiting list underscores the deep-seated challenges in fulfilling these commitments. This action could set a precedent for future land claim resolutions and reinforce the importance of indigenous land rights. The process also highlights the complex interplay between state agencies, historical claims, and the aspirations of Native Hawaiian communities. The success of these land transfers in creating viable homesteads will be a critical measure of their long-term impact, influencing community development, cultural preservation, and the overall well-being of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii.
