Relating To Native Hawaiian Trust Beneficiaries.
The proposed legislation mandates the state to formulate a strategic plan for the timely payment of confirmed damages to the Kalima plaintiffs, ensuring that the compensation reflects the financial losses incurred due to the state's inaction. Historical data indicates that claimants could claim significant sums tied to lost financial opportunities, such as potential home ownership versus renting over the past sixty years, which appraises to substantial figures against previous insufficient valuations. This will necessitate an amendment to the Hawaii Revised Statutes to ensure that successful claimants receive actual damages based on professional actuarial standards.
House Bill 2010 addresses issues surrounding the compensation of beneficiaries from the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and seeks to ensure fair and just reparation for those involved in the ongoing Kalima v. State legal case. This bill arises from a historical context wherein the state of Hawaii has failed to fully honor the promises made under the Act to rehabilitate displaced native Hawaiians through land leases at nominal rates, which has created an extensive waitlist for eligible applicants. Currently, over 28,000 native Hawaiians are on the waitlist, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing these long-standing grievances.
Noteworthy points of contention include the previously proposed settlement amount in 2013, which many believe was grossly inadequate. The bill acknowledges the frustration of those on the waitlist for decades, arguing that any reparation must be just and commensurate with historic injustices. The bill proposes to rectify past wrongs by ensuring that the financial remediation is significant and meaningful, challenging previous offers that have been labeled insignificant. The commitment to expedite payment processes further signals a newfound recognition of the plight of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.