Gov. David Ige today signed into law the most consequential allocation of funding for the implementation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, in its 100-year history.
The governor signed House Bill 2511 into law as Act 279. The new law allocates $600 million in funding to the department in a renewed step forward in the fulfillment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and its promise to native Hawaiians.
“Today marks an unprecedented moment in our state’s history,” said Ige. “… Today, with the signing of HB2511, we are providing a one-time allocation of $600 million to address the housing needs of native Hawaiians.With housing cost at an all-time high, this funding will allow DHHL to develop new housing units and expand on resource services for beneficiaries in various circumstances.”
The new law includes $112 million that would allow beneficiaries on the list to opt for a $100,000 payment for down-payment or mortgage assistance.
Those who accept the $100,000 would be taken off the wait list for DHHL land, which includes about 28,700 Native Hawaiians statewide and about 10,650 on Hawaii Island.
See Tuesday’s Tribune-Herald for a complete story.