SR6

WHEREAS, the mission of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (“DHHL”) is "to manage the Hawaiian Home Lands trust effectively and to develop and deliver lands to native Hawaiians”; and

WHEREAS, despite this clear-cut objective, more than 29,000 applicants remain on DHHL’s waitlist for homestead lands; and

WHEREAS, tragically, at least 2,100 beneficiaries have died while awaiting their homestead awards, further showcasing the unacceptable speed at which DHHL is fulfilling this mission; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Hawaii State Legislature passed Act 279 appropriating $600 million to DHHL with the primary goal of reducing the waitlist; and

WHEREAS, this significant investment has produced little of its anticipated return, with few lots and homesteads being delivered compared to the original plan; and

WHEREAS, audits, largely focusing on financial components,

have been conducted, though no comprehensive audit has been performed in recent years with focus on DHHL’s program effectiveness, operational efficiency, and success in effectuating their mission; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, with a focus on:

(1) The extent to which the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is fulfilling its mission;

(2) The department's efficiency and use of resources;

(3) Whether the department's trust funds and revenues are sufficient and sustainable;

(4) The rate at which land is being developed and awarded compared to stated goals;

(5) The extent to which the department's programs are improving housing stability, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation for beneficiaries;

(6) Beneficiaries' access to information, application support, and ease of communication with the department;

(7) The roles and effectiveness of the Hawaiian Homes Commission;

(8) And any other factors that contribute to evaluating the performance of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands as it relates to fulfilling its mission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to

Include in the audit:

(1) Data collection and analysis on the adequacy of resources allocated to the department, including staffing, infrastructure, and funding;

(2) Recommendations for improvements or changes to existing policies, structures, or programs to enhance efficiency and outcomes;

(3) A timeline for implementation of recommended improvements or changes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to

submit to the Legislature a report of any findings and recommendations, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Auditor, Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, and Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Performance Audit; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	6
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII