Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR14

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands' Commercial Lease Management Practices, Revenue Optimization, And Rent Collection Procedures.

Impact

The requested audit will examine a range of operational aspects, including strategic planning for long-term management of the commercial lease portfolio, the adequacy of policies and procedures governing lease negotiations, rent adjustments, and the effectiveness of rent collection processes. It will also investigate if properties are being leased at below-market rates which could lead to significant revenue losses. This could ultimately impact funding for programs designed to support the homestead beneficiaries as well as critical funding for DHHL's operational costs.

Summary

SCR14 seeks to request the Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' (DHHL) commercial lease management practices. This initiative is prompted by the need to ensure efficient leasing operations that can enhance revenue for the benefit of native Hawaiians. The audit aims to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department's management in generating revenue through its leasing portfolio while fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities to beneficiaries under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.

Contention

Notably, the impetus for this resolution arises from previous audits, such as the one conducted on the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which revealed operational inefficiencies that can parallel challenges within the DHHL's lease management. This convergence raises concerns among stakeholders about accountability and transparency regarding how land and financial resources are managed in support of native Hawaiians. The audit's findings could lead to recommendations for legislative changes to ensure better revenue optimization and strategic asset management for DHHL, addressing longstanding issues within the leasing practices.

Companion Bills

HI SR12

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands' Commercial Lease Management Practices, Revenue Optimization, And Rent Collection Procedures.

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 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 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 SR154

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

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.

HI SR160

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.

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HI HR213

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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.