Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR16

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution seeks to address ongoing concerns regarding the effective use of the appropriated funds and the slow progress in providing housing for native Hawaiians. DHHL has previously reported on the encumbrance and expenditure of these funds, with significant amounts still available, even as many beneficiaries remain on the waitlist. The auditing process is anticipated to identify potential discrepancies in fund usage and aid in aligning DHHL's actions with the strategic needs of the beneficiaries as depicted in their 2020 Beneficiaries Study Applicant Report.

Summary

SCR16 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting an audit of the funds appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in accordance with Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. Act 279 allocated $600 million to the DHHL, primarily aimed at alleviating the waitlist for native Hawaiian housing by providing land and housing solutions. This allocation is part of a broader initiative to meet the needs of over 28,700 native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are on the waitlist, as well as to ensure transparency in how these funds are managed and utilized.

Contention

A key point of contention surrounding this resolution involves the adequacy and transparency of the DHHL's reporting and planning regarding the housing development projects funded by Act 279. Critics may argue that the absence of timely public reports and the rising waitlist numbers indicate mismanagement or inefficiencies within the DHHL, necessitating more rigorous oversight to ensure that the funds intended for housing are effectively reaching the targeted population. Proponents of the resolution may assert the need for accountability to ensure the beneficiaries receive the promised benefits in a timely manner.

Companion Bills

HI SR14

Same As 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.

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 HR147

Establishing A Legislative Working Group For The Continued Oversight Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands' Execution Of Funds Appropriated By Act 279, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2022.

HI HB606

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Homelands.

HI HB1307

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

HI SB1553

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

HI HB1408

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

HI SB151

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

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.