Requesting That The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands Implement Programs To Support Very Low Income Native Hawaiian Beneficiaries.
If adopted, SCR15 would instruct the DHHL to explore several potential solutions to alleviate the burdens faced by low income native Hawaiians. This includes awarding leases for vacant lands that could facilitate living in temporary county-approved structures equipped with Department of Health approved wastewater treatment systems. Another notable suggestion is to duplicate successful existing models, like the Puuhonua O Waianae, across multiple islands, which would entail forming partnerships with homestead groups to enhance effectiveness.
SCR15 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to implement programs aimed at supporting very low income native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The resolution highlights the pressing issue of a significant waitlist for residential and farming homesteads, which has remained alarmingly high, with approximately 28,000 native Hawaiian adults still waiting for their applications to be processed. Furthermore, it emphasizes the broader context of Hawaii's homelessness crisis, noting that many in the native Hawaiian community experience extreme difficulties in affording housing, especially against the state's rising housing costs, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sentiment surrounding SCR15 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for native Hawaiian rights and housing equity. The resolution resonates with the urgent need for action to address historical grievances and ongoing inequalities faced by native Hawaiians. Lawmakers who advocate for this resolution likely view it as a necessary step to provide critical support to a demographic that has been historically marginalized and underrepresented, especially in the housing sector.
While there seems to be a consensus on the need for assistance, some contention may arise regarding the appropriateness of the proposed measures, such as the implementation of temporary housing solutions versus more permanent arrangements. There may also be debates on prioritizing the types of assistance given, such as whether to focus resources on rental assistance, mortgage assistance, or innovative housing models. Overall, discussions may center around balancing the urgency of immediate needs with the long-term goal of sustainable housing solutions.