In the News – 2020
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands “In the News”
2020
DHHL Down Payment Pilot Program
Associated Press (Dec. 23) – State agency to aid in down payments for Native Hawaiians on Oahu
KITV (Dec. 23) – Down Payment Assistance Pilot Project
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Dec. 24) – DHHL to aid in down payment for Native Hawaiians
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 21) – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to help with down payments
Proposal to Authorize Limited Casino Gaming – Single Integrated Resort
Hawaii Tribune Herald/ West Hawaii Today (Dec. 29) – Ige opposes casino on Oahu DHHL land
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 29) – Gov. David Ige pans Hawaiian home lands casino plan
The Garden Island (Dec. 28) – Body proposes gaming legislation
KITV (Dec. 27) – Web – Potential Kapolei casino raises concerns in Las Vegas
KITV (Dec. 26) – On-Air – Kapolei Casino Prospect Stirs Up Competition
HNN (Dec. 24) – On-Air – Kapolei Casino Proposal: DHHL to Host Community Meetings
KITV (Dec. 24) – Web – Input meeting on proposed casino in Kapolei scheduled
Maui Now (Dec. 24) – Beneficiary Consultations for Limited Gaming Legislation Scheduled
Star-Advertiser/ProPublica (Dec. 24) – Casino plan underscores worsening problems with homesteading program
HNN (Dec. 23) – Casino Gamble: Gov. Ige on Proposed Legislation
Maui Now (Dec. 23) – Proposed Casino Legislation Moved Forward in 5-4 Vote by Hawaiian Homes Commission
Big Island Video News (Dec. 23) – VIDEO: Hawaiian Homes commission Approves Casino Gaming Legislative Proposal
Pacific Business News (Dec. 22) – Hawaiian Homes Commission advances proposed gambling legislation
Civil Beat (Dec. 22) – Hawaiian Homes Commission Forwards Gambling Bill To The Governor
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 22) – Web – In 5-4, Hawaiian Homes Commission supports moving forward with casino proposal
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 22) – On-Air – Casino Gamble
KHON (Dec. 22) – Web – Hawaiian Homs Commission approves plan to develop Kapolei casino resort
KHON (Dec. 22) – On-Air – Casino in Kapolei?
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 22) – Hawaiian Homes Commission OKs plan to pursue development of casino resort in Kapolei
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 22) – Group rallies against casino proposal before Department of Hawaiian Home Lands headquarters
KITV (Dec. 22) – Web – DHHL casino proposal gets the green light
KITV (Dec. 22) – Web – Senator Favella opposes Kapolei casino plans
KITV (Dec. 22) – On-Air – Controversial Plan Moves Forward
Big Island Video News (Dec. 22) – Video: DHHL Pushes For Casino Gaming on Hawaiian Home Lands
Big Island Video News (Dec. 22) – Video: DHHL Pushes For Casino Gaming on Hawaiian Home Lands
Hawai`i Public Radio (Dec. 21) – Hawaiian Homes Beneficiaries Weigh in on Kapolei Casino Proposal
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 21) – Web – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands leaders defend casino plan
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 21) – On-Air – Casino Gamble
KHON (Dec. 21) – Web – State lawmaker, tourism expert oppose DHHL casino in Kapolei
KHON (Dec. 21) – On-Air – State lawmaker, tourism expert oppose DHHL casino in Kapolei
Civil Beat (Dec. 21) – Hawaiian Homes Commission Airs Concerns Over Kapolei Casino Proposal
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 21) – Kapolei casino seen as key to land trust’s future
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 17) – Proposed Home Lands casino would allow golf course, theme parks, sporting events
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 17) – Gambling on trust lands
West Hawaii Today (Dec. 17) – Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider casino proposal
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Dec. 17) – Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider casino proposal
Star-Advertiser (Dec. 16) – DHHL considers proposal to build casino in Kapolei
Pacific Business News (Dec. 16) – Hawaiian Homes Commission to consider proposal for Kapolei casino
Civil Beat (Dec. 16) – A Casino In Kapolei? New Proposal Would Allow Limited Gambling
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 16) – Web – Plan to build casino on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kapolei a big gamble, critics say
Hawaii News Now (Dec. 16) – On-Air – DHHL Gambling Controversy
KITV (Dec. 16) – Web – DHHL: Talks of Kapolei casino on the table
KITV (Dec. 16) – Web – Proposed Casino on DHHL Land Sparks Controversy
KITV (Dec. 16) – On-Air – DHHL Proposal for Casino in Kapolei
KHON (Dec. 16) – Web – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pushes proposal for a casino in Kapolei
KHON (Dec. 16) – On-Air – Could Hawaii Get its First Casino?
Kaʻuluokahaʻi – Increment IIB
KITV (Dec. 5) – 37 Turn-Key Lots Offered to Native Hawaiians
Villages of Laʻi ʻŌpua Rent-With-Option-To-Purchase
West Hawaii Today (Nov. 25) – Going vertical: Construction begins on homes in Laʻi ʻOpua
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Nov. 25) – Construction begins on homes in Laʻi ʻOpua
Big Island Video News (Nov. 24) – Construction Begins On 60 Homes In Laʻi ʻŌpua
KHON (Nov. 24) – Construction starts for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands rent-to-buy homes on the Big Island
Civil Beat
Civil Beat (Dec. 13) – How Lending Practiced Restrict Hawaiian Homesteaders’ Borrowing Power
Civil Beat (Nov. 22) – Here’s Why Hawaiian Homesteaders May Never Fully Profit From Their Own Land
Hoʻolehua Water System Upgrades
The Maui News (Nov. 23) – Aging water system to undergo upgrades
Star-Advertiser (Nov. 20) – Repairs and upgrades begin for Molokai water system
Hawaii News Now (Nov. 19) – On-Air – Water System Improvement Project
Maui Now (Nov. 19) – Decades-Old Ho`olehua Water System on Moloka`i to Undergo Major Repairs
Maku`u Abandoned Vehicle Removal
Associated Press – Widespread Publication (Nov. 16) – Hawaii removes hundreds of abandoned vehicles from lots
West Hawaii Today (Nov. 15) – DHHL and county clean up 382 trashed cars, 700+ tires
Hawaii Tribune Herald (Nov. 14) – Hundreds of abandoned vehicles removed from Makuu
Big Island Video News (Nov. 13) – 382 Abandoned Vehicles Removed From Hawaiian Homestead In Puna
Big Island Now (Nov. 13) – Over 300 Abandoned Cars Removed from Maku`u
Pu`unani Subdivision in Waikapu Final EA
The Maui News (Nov. 13) – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Waikapu subdivision clears a hurdle
FCC Grants DHHL Use of Neighbor Island Spectrum
The Molokai Dispatch (Nov. 11) – DHHL to Offer its Own Internet
The Maui News (Oct. 28) – Wireless broadband OK’d for homesteaders
ProPublica/Star-Advertiser Article
ProPublica/Star-Advertiser (Dec. 24) – Hawaii’s Big Fix to Its Housing Shortage for Native Hawaiians? A Casino.
Community Voices: Chair Aila/Star-Advertiser (Oct. 28) – Article Highlights DHHL Funding Needs
ProPublica/Star-Advertiser (Oct. 24 digital, Oct. 25 print) –To reclaim ancestral land, all Native Hawaiians need is $300,000 mortgage and to wait in line for decades
ProPublica/Star-Advertiser (Oct. 24) – How we found low-income Hawaiians were left behind by the homesteading program
DHHL Grant Availability
Pacific Business News (Oct. 26) – Department of Hawaiian Homelands to disburse $1M in grants
Big Island Now (Oct. 25) – Hawaiian Homelands Announces $1 Million in Grant Availability
DHHL Legislative Proposals
Big Island Now (Sept. 28) – DHHL Sends 13 Legislative Proposals to Governor
HHC September Meeting/Hawai`i Island Update
Hawaii Tribune-Herald/West Hawaii Today (Sept. 28) – DHHL moving forward on Villages of La`i `Opua project
Big Island Video News (Sept. 26) – VIDEO: DHHL Presents Hawaii Island Homestead Projects Update
COVID-19 DHHL Loan Payment Deferral Extension
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Sept. 25) – DHHL extends mortgage loan payment deferrals until end of the year
Isenberg Developer Selection
KITV (Sept. 24) – Previous Stadium Bowl-O-Drome in Moiliili to become high-rise affordable rentals
Pacific Business News (Sept. 23) – DHHL affordable rentals to add 23-story tower in Moiliili on old Bow-O-Drome site
Hawaii News Now (Sept. 23) -Web – DHHL selects developers to build an affordable housing complex in Moiliili
Hawaii News Now (Sept. 23) – On-Air – Moiliili Affordable Housing Project
KHON (Sept. 23) – Web – DHHL progresses affordable rental project with new developer
KHON (Sept. 23) – On-Air – DHHL Isenberg Redevelopment Project
Kalawahine Illegal Camper Concerns
Hawaii News Now (Sept. 14) – On-Air – Homeless Concerns in Papakolea
Hawaii News Now (Sept. 14) – Web – Papakolea residents raise concerns about growing homeless in their community
Solar Solicitation
Pacific Business News (Sept. 14) – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands solicits applications for future renewable energy projects
Star-Advertiser (Sept. 7) – Hawaiian homelands made available for renewable energy
The Maui News (Sept. 4) – DHHL solicits renewable energy
Kahikinui Road Repairs
Star-Advertiser (Sept. 6) – Print – Kahikinui road repairs begin this week
The Maui News (Sept. 5) – Kahikinui roadwork is set to get going
Maui Now (Sept. 4) – $963K Road Repair Project Starts Sept. 8 in Kahikinui, Maui
Maui Time (Sept. 4) – Kahikinui Roadway Repairs
Kanehili Walkway Improvements
KHON – Web (Sept. 2) – Kanehili pedestrian walkway improvements set to start this weekend
COVID-19 Halt of Camping Permits, Facility Reservations
Big Island Video News (Aug. 5) – DHHL Extends Cancelled Park Permits in Hawaii
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Aug. 6) – DHHL camping permits or facilities reservations canceled through October
The Maui News (Aug. 6) – DHHL facility permits still on hold
Mauna Kea Access Road
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald/West Hawai`i Today (Aug. 7) – Judge takes motion for partial summary judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit ‘under advisement’
Associated Press-National Distribution (Aug. 5) – Plaintiffs seek judgment in lawsuit over Mauna Kea road
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald/West Hawai`i Today (Aug. 3) – Plaintiffs seek judgment in Maunakea Access Road lawsuit
Waimānalo Habitat
KITV (July 19) – On-Air – Honolulu Habitat’s Newest Home
Kanehili
HNN (July 13) – Web – An ‘unreal’ battle to reclaim a home turned into a suspected gambling room is finally resolved
HNN (July 13) – On-Air – Family Fights for Kapolei Home
Waimānalo Removal
KITV (July 7) – DHHL conducts removal of unauthorized campers in Waimanalo
HNN (July 7 – 10 p.m.) – On-Air – DHHL Clears Homeless Camps & Vehicles
HNN (July 7 – 9 p.m.) – On-Air – DHHL Clears Homeless Camps
Supreme Court Rules on Kalima Case
Star-Advertiser (July 1) – Justices fault state for mismanaging Hawaiian land trust
Hawaii News Now (July 1) – Hawaii Supreme Court rules in favor of Hawaiian homelands beneficiaries
KITV (July 1) – Court rules in favor of Hawaiian Homelands, beneficiaries could receive millions from lawsuit
KHON2 (July 1) – Hawaii Supreme Court rules state must pay Native Hawaiians damages
East Hawai`i Commissioner Kaleikini
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (July 1) – Kaleikini gets tepid endorsement
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (June 28) – BI Hawaiian Homes Commission nominee scrutinized
DHHL Reopens for In-Person Visits
Maui News (June 15) – DHHL offices set to reopen for in-person visits
Maui Now (June 13) – DHHL to Reopen In-Person Services on an Appointment Only Basis
Kaua`i Habitat
The Garden Island (June 5) – A new roof over their heads
Anahola Reservoir Work
The Garden Island (May 30) – Reservoir work set in Anahola
KHON Web (May 29) – Remediation improvements to begin on Anahola reservoirs
HHC Commissioner Confirmations
The Molokai Dispatch (June 4) – Helm Confirmed as Hawaiian Homes Commissioner
The Maui News (May 26) – Two from Maui County confirmed to Hawaiian Homes Commission
DHHL COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
KHON Living 808 (Sept. 18) – On-Air – Rental Assistance Through Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
KHON (Sept. 18) – Rental Assistance Through Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Lahaina News (Sept. 3) – Extension approved for DHHL Rental Assistance Program
Pacific Business News (June 19) – DHHL expands Covid-19 emergency rental assistance program
Big Island Video News (June 19) – DHHL Expands COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance
Lahaina News (May 21) – DHHL, Aloha United Way launch beneficiary rental relief program
Pacific Business News (May 12) – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, United Way launch rental relief program
HNN Web (May 12) – Hawaiian Homelands program launched to offer rent relief to laid off workers
Hawai`i Public Radio (May 12) – DHHL Offers Rent Aid for Beneficiaries
HNN (May 11) – DHHL Rental Assistance Program
KITV (May 11) – Million in Financial Help on its Way
KHON (May 11) – COVID-19 Emergency Rental Program
Big Island Video News (May 11) – Hawaiian Homes Launches Rental Relief Program
Civil Beat (May 11) – Native Hawaiian Eligible For Rental Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis
Honolulu Magazine (May 11) – State Launches Native Hawaiian Rental Assistance Program
KITV Web (May 11) – Rental assistance available for beneficiaries already on DHHL list
KHON Web (May 11) – DHHL announces new rental relief program for those affected by COVID-19
MAUIWatch (May 11) – DHHL Launches Rental Relief Program
HCC Approves Additional COVID-19 Relief Options
Maui Now (April 22) – Hawaiian Homes Commission Approves COVID-19 Relief Options
HCC Decision to Defer DHHL Loan Payments Amid COVID-19 Emergency
The Maui News (Dec. 16) – DHHL postpones loan payments until March 31
Lahaina News (April 2) – Hawaiian Homes Commission approves DHHL loan deferral
Star-Advertiser (March 26) – Hawaiian Homes OKs loan deferral
Big Island Now (March 26) – Loan Forbearance for DHHL Mortgages Available
Maui Now (March 26) – Hawaiian Homes Commission Approves DHHL Loan Deferral
Big Island Video News (March 25) – VIDEO: Hawaiian Homes Loan Payments Deferred For 6 Months
DHHL and COVID-19 Impacts
Maui Now (March 21) – Website to Show Impacts of COVID-19 on Department on Hawaiian Home Lands Operations
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald (March 20) – Department of Hawaiian Home Lands closes offices statewide; requests all payments by mail only
Sandwich Isles Communications
Hawaii Public Radio (March 10) – Lawmakers Concerned Homesteaders Could Bear Brunt of Telecom Fiasco
Star-Advertiser (March 7) – Companies started by Albert Hee being liquidated
Pūlehunui Wastewater IFB
The Maui News (March 17) – DHHL seeks bids to build wastewater project in Pulehunui
Maui Now (March 8) – Invitation For Bid Issued for Wastewater System in Pūlehunui
MAUIWatch (March 6) – DHHL Issues IFB for Development of Wastewater System in Pūlehunui, Maui
NHLC Lawsuit – Mauna Kea Access Road
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald (Feb. 15) – State AG responds to lawsuit
Hawai`i Public Radio (Feb. 14) – Hawaiian Homes Beneficiaries Sue State Over Mauna Kea Access Road
Star-Advertiser (Feb. 14) – Hawaiians sue state over use of Mauna Kea Access Road
West Hawaii Today (Feb. 14) – Lawsuit questions state’s authority over Maunakea Access Road
HNN (Feb. 13) – On-Air – Hawaiian Beneficiaries Sue State Over Rent
KITV (Feb. 13) – On-Air – Mauna Kea Access Road NHLC Lawsuit
Big Island Video News (Feb. 13) – Breach Of Trust Lawsuit Filed Over Mauna Kea Access Road
Star-Advertiser (Feb. 13) – Lawsuit Alleges State Misuse of Maunakea Access Road
Hawai`i Tribune-Herald (Feb. 13) – State sued for misuse of Maunakea Access Road
HNN (Feb. 13) – Suit: State owes Homelands beneficiaries decades of back rent for Mauna Kea road
Chair William Aila, Deputy Tyler Gomes State Senate Confirmation
Star-Advertiser (Feb. 11) – Expanded Story – Aila confirmed as head of DHHL
HNN (Feb. 10) – On-Air 6:30 p.m. – State Senate Confirms William Aila
KITV (Feb. 10) – On-Air 6 p.m. – State Senate Confirms Aila as DHHL Chair
Star-Advertiser (Feb. 10) – State Senate confirms William Aila as Hawaiian Home Lands chairman
Maku`u
KITV (Feb. 8) – On-Air 6 p.m. – DHHL Addresses Abandoned Vehicles in Maku`u
KITV (Feb. 8) – On-Air 6 a.m.- DHHL Addresses Abandoned Vehicles in Maku`u
Big Island Now (Feb. 8) – DHHL to Address Piles of Abandoned Vehicles in Puna
KHON (Feb. 7) – On-Air 5 p.m. –DHHL Addresses Abandoned Vehicles in Maku`u
KHON (Feb. 7) – On-Air 4 p.m. – DHHL Addresses Abandoned Vehicles in Maku`u
Big Island Video News (Feb. 7) – DHHL Takes on Abandoned Vehicles in Maku`u
Maui Now (Feb. 7) – Abandoned Vehicles on Hawaiian Homelands Prompts Statewide Action
Habitat for Humanity Maui – Kuailani ʻohana
The Maui News (Feb. 6) – DHHL, Habitat help Kuailani’s get home
KITV (Feb. 6) – Maui family now has keys to their new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity, DHHL
MAUIWatch (Feb. 5) – DHHL, Habitat Partnership Completes Maui Home
Hawaii News Now (Feb. 5) – On Air – Kula Family Gets Keys to New Home
KITV (Feb. 5) – On Air – Kuailani Family Gets Keys to New Home
Mōʻiliʻili
Associated Press (Jan. 29) – Hawaiian Home Lands to buy $8M in property for development
Star-Advertiser (Jan. 29) – DHHL buys vacant apartments for beneficiaries
Pacific Business News (Jan. 28) – Hawaiian Homes Commission buying two vacant Honolulu apartment buildings from Kamehameha Schools
Hawaii News Now (Jan. 28) – DHHL buys Moiliili property from Kamehameha Schools for $7.8M
KITV (Jan. 28) – Department of Hawaiian Homes Commission approves the purchase of Mo`ili`ili real estate
KHON (Jan. 28) – Department of Hawaiian Homelands to purchase property from Kamehameha Schools
Hawaii Public Radio (Jan. 28) – DHHL To Buy $8M Property in Mōʻiliʻili From Kamehameha Schools for Housing
Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs
Star-Advertiser (Jan. 31) – Aila gets initial OK as DHHL chief
Honolulu Civil Beat (Jan. 30) – Committee: Full Senate Should Confirm Aila As DHHL Director
Honolulu Civil Beat (Jan. 24) – Senators Delay Vote After Grilling Aila As Head Of Hawaiian Home Lands
Star-Advertiser (Jan. 24) – DHHL chief nominee draws disagreement
Senate Ways and Means Committee
Hawaii Public Radio (Jan. 13) – Hawaiian Homes Says It Needs $43M to Develop More Lots
Kealakehe
West Hawai`i Today (Jan. 9) – DHHL Looking to Build Homes in Kealakehe
Other News
West Hawai`i Today (Feb. 15) – Maunakea debris raise concern, again
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Feb. 15) – Concerns raised about Maunakea debris
The Maui News (Feb. 10) – McKelvey introduces bill, Lahaina still short lots
Civil Beat (Feb. 7) – State Lawmakers Are Weighing A Slate of Bills That Affect Native Hawaiians
The Garden Island (Jan. 30 ) – County backs Hawaiian homesteaders
Civil Beat (Jan. 29) – Kauai: Council Weighs Resolution To Fix DHHL Mortgage Programs
Hawaii Public Radio (Jan. 14) – Hawaiian Homes Says It Needs $43M to Develop More Lots
Editorials
Star-Advertiser Our View (Dec. 26) – Alternative from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Civil Beat (Dec. 20) – Chad Blair: A Casino In Kapolei? Don’t Hold Your Breath
Star-Advertiser Our View (Dec. 20) – Casino a bad bet for DHHL lands
Star-Advertiser Off the News (Sept. 25) – DHHL’s high-rise rental project
Star-Advertiser Our View (May 16) –Help for Hawaiians
Ka Wai Ola Column (`O Ka Nuhou `Aina Ho`opulapula)
December – Hoʻolehua Water System to Get a Major Upgrade
November – DHHL Revamps Financial Support Service Program
October – Chair Aila Addresses Herbicide Use
September – The Importance of Naming a Successor
August – Affordable Homesteads Through Habitat Partnership
July – Beware: Scammers are Targeting Homesteaders
June – Federal Funds Deployed for Rental Relief
May – COVID-19 Mortgage Relief for Homesteaders
April – Subsistence Agriculture on the Horizon for DHHL Beneficiaries