During a recent government meeting, strong support was voiced for the rent-to-own program aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges faced by individuals on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) waitlist. Advocates highlighted the program as a crucial opportunity for those who have been waiting for decades to receive a homestead award, likening the experience to waiting in a food line where some have already been served while others continue to wait.

One speaker emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that many individuals on the waitlist are aging and, unfortunately, some are passing away before their turn comes. The rent-to-own initiative is seen as a vital solution to provide immediate housing options for those who have been waiting for extended periods.

The speaker also pointed out that the needs of beneficiaries are evolving, with many requiring different dietary options due to age, health concerns, or financial circumstances. The flexibility of the rent-to-own program is viewed as a way to cater to these diverse needs, offering a pathway to homeownership that accommodates various lifestyles and requirements.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of the rent-to-own program as a means to alleviate the burdens faced by long-term waitlist applicants and to provide them with the housing options they deserve.