Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR13

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Impact

If enacted, SCR13 would yield profound impacts on state laws governing the operation and performance expectations of the DHHL. Specifically, the resolution calls for a comprehensive examination of the department's operational efficiency, the effectiveness of its programs, and how well it manages its resources. The auditor is tasked with assessing the sufficiency and sustainability of trust funds and revenues, as well as the rate at which land is being developed and awarded according to the department's stated goals. Furthermore, the audit will evaluate the department's contributions to improving housing stability, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation for the beneficiaries, thereby affecting policy directions for managing Hawaiian Home Lands.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 (SCR13) is a legislative measure introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature, requesting a performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The mission of the DHHL is to manage Hawaiian Home Lands trust effectively and deliver lands to native Hawaiians. Currently, the DHHL faces significant challenges, including a backlog of over 29,000 applicants awaiting homestead lands and the tragic reality that over 2,100 beneficiaries have died while waiting for their awards. This bill responds to the concerning speed at which the DHHL fulfills its mission, especially in light of the significant financial appropriation received in 2022 aimed at alleviating the waitlist.

Contention

The resolution also addresses past shortcomings in audits, which have largely focused on financial aspects without giving due consideration to the effectiveness of the DHHL's programs. This proposed performance audit aims to change that by producing tangible recommendations for improving operational efficiency, thereby ensuring that appropriated funds can lead to actionable outcomes rather than perpetuating unmet promises. Given the emotional and cultural significance of land to native Hawaiians, there is potential for debate regarding the adequacy of past legislative efforts, the handling of funds, and the importance of accountability in servicing long-standing community needs.

Companion Bills

HI SR6

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR189

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Moneys Appropriated To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Pursuant To Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI SR170

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Moneys Appropriated To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Pursuant To Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI HCR84

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Moneys Appropriated To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Pursuant To Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI HR78

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Moneys Appropriated To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Pursuant To Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI SCR137

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The University Of Hawaii Foundation.

HI SR154

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The University Of Hawaii Foundation.

HI SCR138

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SCR27

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Department Of Education's Capital Improvement Project Finances.

HI SCR142

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.

HI SR155

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

Similar Bills

HI HR213

Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.

HI SB199

Relating To Hawaiian Culture.

HI SB199

Relating To Hawaiian Culture.

HI HB2617

Relating To The University Of Hawaii At Hilo.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI SCR52

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require One Year Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement In Public Schools.

HI SR50

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require One Year Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement In Public Schools.