Requesting That The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Implement Programs To Support Very Low Income Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries.
HCR63 calls for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to implement actionable programs specifically aimed at supporting very low-income beneficiaries. It recommends several potential solutions, including awarding flexible leases that allow for temporary living situations while beneficiaries improve their financial status. By adopting models like those found at Puuhonua O Waianae or similar village-style concepts, the resolution hopes to create sustainable living conditions for Native Hawaiians. These measures aim to provide immediate relief while also fostering community-oriented living environments that are both off-grid and affordable.
House Concurrent Resolution 63 (HCR63) is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the challenging living conditions faced by very low-income Native Hawaiians. The resolution highlights a significant issue: the waitlist for residential and farming homesteads, which reached approximately 28,500 individuals in 2019 and continues to hover around 28,000. Alarmingly, many individuals on this waitlist have died without receiving the necessary housing support, underlining the urgent need for action. With the cost of living in Hawaii being one of the highest in the nation, particularly regarding housing, this resolution acknowledges that many Native Hawaiians are struggling with homelessness and inflated housing costs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed resolution reflects deeper societal issues within Hawaii, including the disproportionate impact of housing shortages on Native Hawaiians, often leading to discussions about systemic inequalities. While the resolution seeks to address the critical housing crisis, it may raise questions regarding the extent of government responsibility in addressing these challenges. The potential for implementing temporary living arrangements may be met with scrutiny and concerns about the permanence and financial viability of such solutions. Thus, while HCR63 aims to create meaningful change, it also opens the door for debates on the adequacy of the proposed measures and the long-term strategies needed to truly alleviate the struggles faced by the Native Hawaiian community.