What's Happening?
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) in Hawaii has authorized the transfer of 318.25 acres of state lands in the Waiākea area of Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). This action is part of a collaborative effort between DLNR and DHHL leadership, supported by Governor Josh Green, to resolve long-standing claims between DHHL and the state of Hawaiʻi concerning the use or alienation of Hawaiian home lands between August 21, 1959, and July 1, 1988. The conveyance of this final parcel is contingent upon approval by the Hawaiian Homes Commission. If approved, the total acreage transferred will exceed the outstanding balance owed to DHHL, fulfilling a commitment made in 1994 and Act 14 of the 1995 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi.
Why It's Important?
This land transfer is a significant step towards honoring the state's commitments to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Governor Josh Green emphasized that this decision will create opportunities for Native Hawaiian families to establish homes and communities, while also preserving their cultural heritage for future generations. BLNR Chairperson Ryan Kanakaʻōle highlighted that this action addresses an obligation the state has had for over 30 years to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The fulfillment of Act 14, First Special Session Acts, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 1995, through this transfer, aims to make the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust whole. This initiative directly impacts Native Hawaiian families by providing access to land for housing and community development, addressing historical grievances and contributing to social equity.
What's Next?
The final conveyance of the 318.25-acre parcel is subject to approval by the Hawaiian Homes Commission, a nine-member board that governs DHHL. If approved, this transfer will complete the satisfaction of land transfers authorized by the BLNR in 1994 and fully implement Act 14. DLNR staff will continue to work with DHHL to ensure the completion of this matter. This development is expected to pave the way for further housing and community projects for Native Hawaiian families, potentially reducing the long waitlist for Hawaiian home lands. The focus will now shift to the Hawaiian Homes Commission's decision and the subsequent planning and development of the transferred lands.
Beyond the Headlines
The resolution of these land claims carries deeper implications for reconciliation and self-determination for Native Hawaiians. The historical context of land alienation and the establishment of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust underscore a complex legacy that this transfer seeks to address. Beyond providing physical homes, the initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and community resilience among Native Hawaiians. This move could also set a precedent for how other historical land claims and indigenous rights issues are approached within the United States, emphasizing the importance of governmental accountability and the fulfillment of long-standing commitments to indigenous populations. The success of this transfer could foster greater trust between the state government and Native Hawaiian communities.
