Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR12

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 resolution highlights existing challenges that could jeopardize revenue generation for the DHHL. A previous audit of the Department of Land and Natural Resources revealed significant deficiencies, such as below-market lease rates and failure to collect delinquent rents. Diagnostics from the previous audit suggest that similar issues could afflict DHHL’s practices, which could hinder its ability to provide necessary services and support for over 29,000 beneficiaries currently on the homestead waitlist.

Summary

Senate Resolution 12 (SR12) requests a comprehensive performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) focusing on its commercial lease management practices, revenue optimization strategies, and rent collection procedures. The DHHL is responsible for managing approximately 200,000 acres of land with the aim of returning native Hawaiians to their lands through homestead leasing, while also generating revenue necessary to support its operations and programs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the audit seeks to ensure accountability and transparency within the DHHL by examining the effectiveness and efficiency of lease management. The results of this audit could provide actionable recommendations for legislative improvements aimed at enhancing the Department's ability to manage its resources effectively, thereby fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities to Hawaiian home lands beneficiaries.

Contention

Supporters of SR12 assert that optimizing lease management practices is essential for addressing the revenue shortfall that could further impede efforts to develop new homesteads and provide meaningful benefits to Hawaiian beneficiaries. Conversely, there may be concerns about the potential implications of closer state scrutiny over lease practices, especially among current lessees who might experience changes in rental agreements almost immediately after the audit findings are released.

Companion Bills

HI SCR14

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 SR75

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SCR92

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.