Government Relations
2023
Every year, DHHL prepares and submits legislative proposals for inclusion in the Governor’s Administrative Package for the next session of the Hawaii State Legislature.
Legislative Timeline
- July 2022 – DHHL solicits legislative proposals
- August 2022 – Deadline to submit legislative proposals to DHHL
- September 2022 – DHHL brings proposals to the Hawaiian Homes Commission for approval
- September 2022 – HHC approves 10 proposals to move forward
Draft Legislative Proposals
| Legislative Proposal | Description | Progress |
| Proposal HHL-01(23)
Relating to Independent Legal |
This proposal allows the Department to retain independent legal counsel to be paid by the State and use the services of the attorney general as needed. | HB598 |
| Proposal HHL-02(23)
Relating to the Commission on Water Resource Management
|
This proposal adds the Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission or the Chairman’s designee to the Commission on Water Resource Management. | SB1013 |
| Proposal HHL-03(23)
Relating to Housing
|
This proposal exempts any development of homestead lots or housing for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands from general excise taxes. | HB1055 |
| Proposal HHL-04(23)
Relating to Historic Preservation Reviews |
This proposal allows DHHL to assume review of the effect of any proposed project on historic properties or burial sites for lands under its jurisdiction. | HB1056 |
| Proposal HHL-05(23)
Relating to Interim Administrative Rules of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
|
This proposal creates a new section of the HRS that allows DHHL, after consultation with beneficiaries and organizations representing beneficiaries, to issue interim rules which shall be exempt from the public notice, public hearing, and gubernatorial approval requirements of Chapter 91 as long as the interim rules shall be effective for not more than eighteen months. | HB1057 |
| Proposal HHL-06(23)
Relating to Compliance and Enforcement on Hawaiian Home Lands
|
This proposal establishes a compliance and enforcement program within the Department to investigate complaints, conduct investigations, and cooperate with enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended and rules adopted thereunder as well as all other state laws and rules, and county ordinances on Hawaiian Home Lands.
|
HB1139 |
| Proposal HHL-07(23)
Relating to Adoption |
This proposal allows an adopted individual to benefit both by relationship through a natural parent and through an adoptive parent in a disposition or other designation provided for in accordance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended or administrative rules while also allowing the adopted individual and individual’s natural family to continue to have the same familial relationship.
|
HB1058 |
| Proposal HHL-08(23)
Relating to Affordable Housing on Hawaiian Home Lands |
This proposal repeals the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 141, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, and the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 98, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, to make the affordable housing credit program permanent. | HB1059 |
| Proposal HHL-09(23)
Relating to School Impact Fees
|
This proposal repeals the July 1, 2024, sunset of Act 197, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, to make permanent the exclusion of housing developed by DHHL from school impact fees. | HB1060 |
| Proposal HHL-10(23)
Relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
|
This proposal allows for the expenditure of funds appropriated in Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 until June 30, 2025. | HB1507 |