THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2780

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN BENEFICIARIES.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that while basic waiting lists of department of Hawaiian home lands homestead lease applicants are available for download on the department's website, the exact details of each applicant, including information regarding whether the person has applied for multiple leases, been denied a prior lease, or been skipped over, are not readily accessible, even for department staff.  Beneficiary records of the department of Hawaiian home lands are spread across multiple locations.  If a beneficiary seeks to determine the beneficiary's status, finding and gathering that information can require weeks of work.

     The legislature further finds that the compilation of applicant information into a single interactive database would increase efficiency within the department of Hawaiian home lands.  A digital database would provide clear, transparent, current, and timely information to beneficiaries and the public.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of Hawaiian home lands to complete an interactive digitized beneficiary assessment and implement an interactive digital database.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of Hawaiian home lands, with the assistance of the office of enterprise technology services, shall complete an interactive digitized beneficiary assessment and implement an interactive digital database software program compiling its applicant, beneficiary, and lessee records.  The interactive digital database software program shall contain relevant information on each individual's homestead lease application status, number of applications, address, number of denied leases, designated successors, history of obtaining leases as an applicant or as a successor, and other relevant information as determined by the Hawaiian homes commission.  The department shall complete implementation of the interactive digital database within two years of the effective date of this Act.

     (b)  The department of Hawaiian home lands shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than July 1, 2025.

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the department of Hawaiian home lands to complete an interactive digitized beneficiary assessment and implement an interactive digital database.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of Hawaiian home lands for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

 

 

Report Title:

Native Hawaiian Caucus; DHHL; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Beneficiary List; Database; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to complete an interactive digitized beneficiary assessment and report on the feasibility of creating an interactive digital database software program.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.  Makes an appropriation.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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