REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

SR6

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

6

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

����
WHEREAS, the
mission of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (�DHHL�) is "to manage
the Hawaiian Home Lands trust effectively and to develop and deliver lands to
native Hawaiians�; and

WHEREAS, despite this
clear-cut objective, more than 29,000 applicants remain on DHHL�s waitlist for
homestead lands; and

WHEREAS, tragically, at least
2,100 beneficiaries have died while awaiting their homestead awards, further
showcasing the unacceptable speed at which DHHL is fulfilling this mission; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Hawaii
State Legislature passed Act 279 appropriating $600 million to DHHL with the
primary goal of reducing the waitlist; and

WHEREAS, this significant
investment has produced little of its anticipated return, with few lots and
homesteads being delivered compared to the original plan; and

WHEREAS, audits, largely
focusing on financial components,

have been conducted, though no comprehensive audit has
been performed in recent years with focus on DHHL�s program effectiveness,
operational efficiency, and success in effectuating their mission; now,
therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a performance
audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, with a focus on:

(1)

The
extent to which the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is fulfilling its
mission;

(2)

The
department's efficiency and use of resources;

(3)

Whether
the department's trust funds and revenues are sufficient and sustainable;

(4)

The
rate at which land is being developed and awarded compared to stated goals;

(5)

The
extent to which the department's programs are improving housing stability,
economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation for beneficiaries;

(6)

Beneficiaries'
access to information, application support, and ease of communication with the
department;

(7)

The
roles and effectiveness of the Hawaiian Homes Commission;

(8)

And
any other factors that contribute to evaluating the performance of the Department
of Hawaiian Home Lands as it relates to fulfilling its mission; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that
the Auditor is requested to

Include in the audit:

(1)
�
Data collection and analysis on the adequacy
of resources allocated to the department, including staffing, infrastructure,
and funding;

(2)
�
Recommendations for improvements or changes to
existing policies, structures, or programs to enhance efficiency and outcomes;

(3)
�
A timeline for implementation of recommended
improvements or changes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that
the Auditor is requested to

submit to the Legislature a report of any findings and
recommendations, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the
Regular Session of 2027; and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Governor, Auditor, Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, Chair of
the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, and Chairman of the
Hawaiian Homes Commission.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

Performance
Audit; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands