[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6671231,"mediaKeyId","2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0","parentId",2171463,"title","Commission authorizes DHHL to negotiate transfer of 19.354‑acre Ewa parcel, defers second TMK","audioSeconds",19459,"startMs",973000,"endMs",20432000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0&start=973&end=20432","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0/thumbnail_973000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6671231/Hawaii/Commission-authorizes-DHHL-to-negotiate-transfer-of-19354acre-Ewa-parcel-defers-second-TMK","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671231-8db4a8e946d4e243353436bf90f74faf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160360&Signature=L74FwIqcfJSxBytaLVZwuU-1Bac0I~5CO4JRaKD2sZdqhpNNTfm~RbyXyG5PR7tVzWlMY2mn0d0C11gOr~MHj4tw7wov0HlCW5XSRbb23tBOBCeImCuBlsoeB8ke6SU2z~wt-WCg83RsWqpA50RXfYqV0uEhywB1QsyBn~eZRTWY3Es3Rx0rDb8wSG6oQfy33SIgO8Zqz4eAKcq6t-nWsCKO4KMz2Uw7sCqV9NCf7bPXbkmSGt96uM9SQ5Gkqe0x7aYoo-dJQO-jokAiVkH4seRVHRBeKVHbk5IT~3a9jo9qHapmfxNfLUeT-a0pK3O2B84YC~0zEd4~NWENfoGNnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of","date","2025-01-01T05:04:54.253Z","article","The Hawaiian Homes Commission on Dec. 17 authorized the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to proceed with negotiations on the department’s original submittal to accept the transfer of a 19.354‑acre parcel in Ewa, Oʻahu, and agreed to defer consideration of a corrected submission that adds a second TMK until the January meeting.

The item had been flagged at the prior meeting because a corrected submittal that included an additional TMK and corrected developer entity name was not timely agendized. Staff told the commission that the Attorney General’s office advised the correction be considered at the next meeting. During today’s discussion the developer representative said that while the second parcel correction would follow next month, the developer sought authorization to proceed on the original submission so it could begin permitting, planning and financing steps without further delay.

The commission received public testimony and discussed whether it was appropriate to act on the original item while the corrected TMK remained to be agendized. Some commissioners urged caution and noted beneficiaries’ concerns about how gifts or transfers with conditions should be evaluated; others said moving forward with negotiation authority could unlock developer commitments and revenue opportunities for DHHL.

After discussion, the commission voted to authorize DHHL to negotiate the transfer on the original submittal and to take up the corrected item (with the second TMK) at the January meeting. The clerk recorded the vote after noting the chair’s recusal; the record shows the clerk’s tally and the motion carried. DHHL staff said they will return with any negotiated agreement for commission approval and that no final conveyance will occur without further approvals and required due diligence, including updated title reports and environmental reviews where appropriate.

Patty Tonkayo, speaking for the developer, told commissioners the developer needs to begin plan and financing work immediately: \"It's urgent. We need to do it now. I need to start, like, tomorrow,\" she said, asking the commission for a signal to proceed on the original submittal while the second TMK is agendized for January.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure title updates and AG‑reviewed procedures are in place before final agreement approval. Staff reminded commissioners the full negotiated agreement will come back to the commission for a formal vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawaiian Homes Commission Regular Meeting - December 17, 2024","oneSentenceSummary","Commission voted to authorize DHHL to negotiate an agreement to accept transfer/ donation of a 19.354‑acre parcel in Ewa and to defer the corrected submittal that adds a second TMK until the January meeting; staff noted the developer seeks prompt action to meet regulatory timelines.","taxTitle","Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Department of, Executive , Hawaii","taxId",26070,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6671234,"DHHL outlines $89 million in federal broadband awards, islands prioritized for homestead connections",955,3091000,4046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0&start=3091&end=4046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0/thumbnail_3091000.jpg","/articles/6671234/Hawaii/DHHL-outlines-89-million-in-federal-broadband-awards-islands-prioritized-for-homestead-connections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671234-b141a271f1788bea7f2c0759b6725671/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160360&Signature=fFLbvRYOwDAkqxXLz6nuJRDnndYur5ztH2hebzLsr631zSw19QEEt9KXhmAUNsNeaWLrf7CjFMDdHwD-1IrAyJDweBm9Df40tn4TF9AhetmBEPlZx4kLpuKltRlvbG20yeA2RV9fV2pzEM8ixnCdjlWDBQr~TgNpXcnd9E7lELbEcdzDoEX3bk~ABx9mQrJl7B~jiBLGaB12UPXZmhm0cZuve5T06h~vW~X2hW27wga2LR3sbwmZUAHpwdknWNwqL2wPkwd1vHw-P6PblrrX9v4lgXtbwvjWUQgfBh6A61r2G90DJFCQAeHBWXmDYDdwrfIJeX5c2dIB3aY-Sw15XA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broadband staff gave commissioners an update on federal awards and buildout priorities for connecting homesteads across the state.

Jaren, DHHL’s broadband coordinator, told the commission that DHHL holds multiple federal awards: the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 1 award (about $17 million) for planning and digital equity work, and a Round 2 award of roughly $72 million focused primarily on infrastructure (fiber to homes) and digital‑inclusion programs. DHHL also noted a COVID‑era capital fund award used for deployment in the 2.5 GHz band and cited a target buildout date of 2028 for the wireless licensing obligations.

Staff said major categories of work include infrastructure (fiber and last‑mile connections), digital equity (workforce training, device distribution and digital literacy), community digital innovation centers and a mapping initiative to inventory current connectivity on Hawaiian homelands. Jaren said DHHL is partnering with community organizations (Hawaii Community Assets, Catholic Charities), university partners (JABSOM and the University of Hawaiʻi) on telehealth and maternal telehealth pilots, and with carriers and network vendors for island‑specific deployments.

Priority islands and areas listed in the presentation were Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi, West and East Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu and Lānaʻi; DHHL said it will coordinate with Act 279 housing projects and other state infrastructure efforts. On Molokaʻi staff reported outreach to FirstNet/AT&T to use the 2.5 GHz license for improved public‑safety coverage. On Maui DHHL cited secured contracts to connect remote bus stops for safety and education access. Staff also described a pilot recording studio partnership with the state library to record stories and digital‑mapping to show homestead connectivity levels.

Jaren urged lessees and beneficiaries to verify county‑recognized street addresses with district offices because carriers require valid county addresses to provision service to homes.

Commissioners asked technical questions about build phases, vendors and how DHHL will coordinate overlapping federal funding programs. Jaren said DHHL’s grants must deconflict other federal funds (for example, Connect America Fund obligations in some new subdivisions) and that where conduits are designated open access there may be a choice of retail providers.

The broadband coordinator said digital equity work will focus on workforce development, telehealth, digital government access and small‑business digital growth; DHHL plans community anchor device distribution and workforce training aligned with county and nonprofit programs. Commissioners and public testifiers supported the focus on islands with the greatest coverage gaps and urged DHHL to prioritize community‑based training.","DHHL presented a state tribal broadband update showing TBCP awards and project priorities — fiber infrastructure, digital equity and pilot island sites — and asked beneficiaries to verify street addresses to support buildout.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6671241,"DHHL: Ewa 'drum'–Verona Village land exchange stalled by DOI beneficiary consultation, environmental testing",908,1267000,2175000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0&start=1267&end=2175","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0/thumbnail_1267000.jpg","/articles/6671241/Hawaii/DHHL-Ewa-drumVerona-Village-land-exchange-stalled-by-DOI-beneficiary-consultation-environmental-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671241-97749980347484c8ed6b6a7877f9940c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160360&Signature=eHKbLzm9gU8B6c~IopioGk7mpDxxdL6J80e38Ilry0A~cTVge2yLq2~U55792Hi6XLMX3eS4g6hhsAPobAEsL3bryqWTU5b-2rY9dkas1UeFXNtj4sSBHJ1mSu1q0ddOQDk6tDdr8eyDM0aZzyKjzwSQI8FEG~moGRKLt6k1cT9z2k5T1A9kBjAJiO6braT-iHXykcNqtLGmgyEjM-zG4F7NRbWHJu0aFy-g2zYTCXl1qGkw2CH3S1PEzVZwEmzvQT0WJe2OSJULuQP82fl2EEfnP6ABdW~jaQp7w5ojTNrjioszn~aaxyAO4AMtxuSW-bH7yppepFf-O3CdSMoIjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on Dec. 17 that the proposed exchange of two Ewa “drum” parcels for two parcels at Verona Village remains unfinished because of federal review and environmental issues.

Russell Kaul, speaking for DHHL staff, traced the exchange’s history to a 2010 memorandum of agreement with the City and County of Honolulu. The drum parcels — so called from historical storage of industrial drums — came into DHHL title in 2006 as part of a federal transfer under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The MOA anticipates an exchange that would give DHHL the Verona parcels near the Kamakanaʻaliʻi shopping center in return for the Ewa parcels that host the Honolulu rail maintenance facility.

Kaul said the exchange has been negotiated over multiple administrations and was amended and restated in 2022 after the city council approved appraisal numbers and an equalization payment. ‘‘The property that we put in . . . was appraised to be $330,000 more valuable than the Verona Village properties,’’ Kaul said, noting an equalization payment mechanism to account for differences.

But two major issues remain, Kaul told commissioners: federal beneficiary consultation and environmental remediation. Kaul said the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) requires DHHL to certify that Verona 1 and Verona 2 are intended for residential use; DOI’s position, staff said, is that such a certification preserves a NEPA exemption and avoids a more extensive environmental review process. DOI also wants to conduct beneficiary consultation about the approved appraisals and equalization payment; Kaul said DOI’s new administration staff has asked to schedule that consultation in mid‑2025 to allow the federal office time to onboard new appointees.

On the environmental front, Kaul said a Phase II assessment found elevated contaminant levels in a location adjacent to the shopping center on Verona 1. Kaul said the environmental consultant cautioned that if DHHL proceeds with residential use the agency will likely need remediation that could extend beyond the specific hot spot, potentially requiring broader cleanup to satisfy state standards for residential development. Kaul said the MOA documents the exchange as an ‘‘as‑is’’ deal and that the city and DHHL have used interim license agreements to allow each party to use the properties while the exchange remains pending.

Commissioners asked whether remediation costs would affect valuations. Kaul said appraisals did attempt to account for known conditions, but the Phase II data came after the appraisals; reopening the appraisal process is not currently planned. Commissioner Neves pressed for a magnitude estimate of remediation costs; Kaul agreed to request a projection from the environmental consultant.

Public testifiers — including beneficiaries and community leaders — raised access and cultural concerns. Testifiers urged DHHL and DOI to ensure beneficiaries have continued access to ʻāina and requested that the DOI‑led consultation be coordinated with DHHL and beneficiary representatives. Community members also recalled prior planning discussions that envisioned Kupuna housing, a place of worship and burial or memorial elements as potential future uses for parts of the Verona parcels.

Kaul recommended DHHL continue working with DOI and the city and said DHHL staff expect to finish the federal steps and close the exchange in 2025 if DOI proceeds with beneficiary consultation and approvals.","DHHL staff updated commissioners that the long‑running exchange of two Ewa parcels for the Verona Village parcels remains pending because of Department of Interior beneficiary consultation requirements and environmental remediation needs; DHHL expects final steps in 2025.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6671246,"Hawaiian Homes Commission approves one-year pilot allowing indigent beneficiary to occupy Lualulei parcel",14594,4855000,19449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0&start=4855&end=19449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171463-0c5516bb6469e6e1876554440d217ea0/thumbnail_4855000.jpg","/articles/6671246/Hawaii/Hawaiian-Homes-Commission-approves-one-year-pilot-allowing-indigent-beneficiary-to-occupy-Lualulei-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671246-dd8745d517b6b7cbb82f89950ac9c54b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160360&Signature=fBFwqj9J1~54thjuzRB1NOS2r0OUro3bCVoxGRN1U-Zbqaphan3Yexihqy6my~EZiXHXm7ABlRWEAb76zpFPzRxnorF7fznA1XmPlMP0waxbmY-mNrK5u1DgblapAWsP~4YQpO0gq4nmZztnTjO5o3vHEfhYvrZMLcq7LI1gtZcfMumthKWcTOYSdrdXg5tEqbCcOe4cY6zoQ7gwt27SU5aegWdxyTfAfdlJeriCTYp-8A6tfRjwyWMdkLubLFd8DniZZfFO2oo9kzVhJu8LQSM9U9f6bUunzwIQC3LrqZm8A9u8qxD8PtM3vEwmAcQOoTIdtfsEufAo4j9sodhJmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Hawaiian Homes Commission approved a one-year indigent Native Hawaiian homesteading pilot and issued a 12-month right of entry to an applicant, Dimont Manaole, to test whether an indigent beneficiary could establish a sustainable on‑land presence and potentially progress to a homestead lease.

The pilot, approved by a 7–2 vote, directs DHHL staff to work with the participant to clear and secure a two‑acre portion of a four‑acre parcel in Lualualei, Oʻahu, and to report back to the commission. Commissioners framed the vote as a limited experiment intended to develop program rules, benchmarks and applicant eligibility for a cohort of beneficiaries who cannot qualify for traditional loan‑backed offerings.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the pilot is exploratory. Julie (planning staff) told commissioners the project is “designed to allow the department to develop policy, procedure and program elements that provide individual homesteading opportunities to indigent Native Hawaiian applicants.” The pilot’s stated goals include testing off‑grid living methods, documenting soil‑retention and water catchment systems, and determining realistic performance benchmarks that could lead to a longer‑term lease if met.

Supporters said the parcel is currently blighted with dumping, unmanaged brush and illegal vehicle access; placing a beneficiary on site would provide ‘‘eyes and ears’’ to deter trespass and clean the property. Manaole, who has previously held a month‑to‑month right of entry and testified at the meeting, said he wanted to demonstrate that indigent applicants can live sustainably on DHHL land and offered to be a hands‑on participant in building out water catchment, composting toilets and soil retention.

Opponents, including Commissioner Neves, expressed legal and procedural concerns. Commissioners pressed staff and land management (LMD) to confirm that the chosen instrument (a right of entry) and any residency conditions comply with DHHL’s administrative rules and the commission’s fiduciary duties. Commissioners also asked that beneficiary consultation and rule work be advanced in parallel with the pilot. Several commissioners urged greater clarity on insurance, environmental suitability of the lot, and how the pilot would scale without creating a large management burden for LMD.

The commission recorded the motion as carried with seven ayes and two noes. Commissioners directed staff to monitor the pilot, provide regular updates, and return with recommended program language and thresholds. The commission also signaled it will set up a permitted interaction group (PIG) and conduct beneficiary consultation to refine the concept before any broader rollout.

The pilot authorizes the 12‑month right of entry as a limited disposition for the stated activities: site cleanup, securing the parcel, basic subsistence cultivation within the two‑acre area, photo and written documentation of progress, and regular check‑ins with assigned DHHL staff. DHHL staff said the parcel will be assessed for habitability before full occupancy and that DHHL will identify any assistance (technical or limited financial) required to support the participant.

Commissioners and several public testifiers framed the vote in historical context, arguing the department must find ways to serve beneficiaries who have been on wait lists for decades and who cannot qualify for loan‑based homesteads. Others asked the commission not to use a pilot to bypass established entitlement processes for beneficiaries or to create inequitable, ad‑hoc disposals.

The commission recorded conditions requiring DHHL to (1) confirm site suitability before residency, (2) assign a staff liaison to monitor the pilot, and (3) report benchmarks and an evaluation plan at regular intervals to the commission. The pilot does not create a permanent homestead lease; pathway to a lease will depend on meeting established benchmarks and the later rulemaking and beneficiary consultation that the commission requested.

The commission’s action was procedural and time‑limited: staff will return with updates and recommended policy, including proposed eligibility criteria and performance indicators, that would be subject to broader beneficiary consultation and any necessary legal review.","The Hawaiian Homes Commission voted to approve a one-year indigent homesteading pilot and issue a 12-month right of entry to an indigent applicant, authorizing staff to develop program elements and monitor progress.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission authorizes DHHL to negotiate transfer of 19.354‑acre Ewa parcel, defers second TMK

DHHL outlines $89 million in federal broadband awards, islands prioritized for homestead connections

DHHL: Ewa 'drum'–Verona Village land exchange stalled by DOI beneficiary consultation, environmental testing

Hawaiian Homes Commission approves one-year pilot allowing indigent beneficiary to occupy Lualulei parcel