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.
The resolution is rooted in the findings of previous appropriations and housing studies, highlighting that as of late 2024, the DHHL’s waitlist of more than 28,700 applicants remained largely unchanged despite significant financial inputs. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Department in fulfilling its mandate to provide housing solutions to native Hawaiians, as stipulated in existing legislation. HCR84 seeks to ensure that the funds are being used efficiently and effectively and that ongoing projects align with the strategic preferences of beneficiaries as established in the 2020 Beneficiaries Study Applicant Report.
HCR84 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, requesting an audit of moneys appropriated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) pursuant to Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. This act allocated $600 million with the goal of addressing the housing needs of native Hawaiians by eliminating the waitlist for land and housing. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for transparency and accountability regarding the use of these funds, particularly given the ongoing issues surrounding the DHHL's ability to meet the housing demands of its beneficiaries.
Notably, there are issues regarding the DHHL's compliance with reporting requirements, as the Department failed to submit its Annual Activity Report by the legislative deadline. The requested audit aims to address the lack of accountability in reporting expenditures and the status of applicants served. Proponents of the audit argue that this oversight is crucial for safeguarding public funds and ensuring that promises made to native Hawaiian beneficiaries are upheld. The resolution underscores the importance of an oversight mechanism to track the progress of projects and the true impact of the funding on the community it aims to serve.