STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1877-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 116

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 116 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to encourage the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and improve programs that help beneficiaries build financial literacy, strengthen credit, and prepare for successful homeownership, with the goal of increasing long-term housing stability and generational wealth among Native Hawaiian communities. It also calls for collaboration with partners to provide accessible and culturally relevant education and support, while assessing program outcomes and resource needs to ensure beneficiaries are better equipped to qualify for and sustain homeownership.

Your Committee has received testimony in support of this measure from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands can serve its beneficiaries even before they are granted homestead leases by providing beneficiaries resources to promote financial literacy. Your Committee believes that by improving credit readiness, homeownership preparedness, and understanding of long-term financial obligations, the Department will increase the chances that beneficiaries maintain strong credit profiles, are ready to receive loans, and avoid lease cancellations which will strengthen the community overall.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 116 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair