Hawaii House Bill HCR196

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/9/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24
• Passed: 4/22/24

Caption

Urging The Hawaiian Homes Commission To Consult Beneficiaries Of The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act Regarding Alternative Waitlist And Award Prioritization Based On Lineal And Generational Descendancy For Hawaiian Home Lands Located In Hana, Maui.

Impact

The resolution aims to amend the current practice of awarding leases according to the application date by suggesting that prioritization shift towards recognizing the cultural heritage and connections of applicants. By focusing on lineal and generational descent, the resolution encourages a deeper respect for cultural values among Hawaiian communities and promotes better representation for those with lineage ties to the land. This proposed change could significantly alter the allocation of Hawaiian home lands, making them more accessible to those with ancestral connections in the Hana area.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 196 urges the Hawaiian Homes Commission to consult beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act regarding the prioritization of waitlist applications for leases on Hawaiian home lands, specifically in Hana, Maui. The bill seeks to address the issues surrounding the extensive waitlist that many beneficiaries face when attempting to secure leases, which has been based primarily on the order of applications submitted. This legislative proposal highlights an alternative approach to prioritization based on lineal and generational descent, which proponents argue may be more culturally appropriate given the specific community context in rural areas.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HCR196 appears to be supportive, primarily from individuals and groups who advocate for the rights of Native Hawaiians. There is a recognition that re-evaluating the criteria for waitlist prioritization represents a positive step towards ensuring that descendants of original land holders are given a fair chance at obtaining land leases. However, there could also be contention among stakeholders who feel that changing the criteria might complicate the administration of the waitlist process or lead to perceptions of unfairness among some current applicants.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise over the logistics of implementing the proposed changes to waitlist prioritization. While the bill proposes a culturally sensitive approach, it may face criticism regarding how effectively it can be administratively executed. Additionally, there may be concerns about whether prioritizing lineal and generational descent could disproportionately affect those who do not have direct ancestral ties to the Hana region, thereby influencing the overall dynamics of land distribution amongst Hawaiian beneficiaries.