May

21

Audit of DHHL Homestead Service Division to be Discussed by Senate Committee

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Honolulu- The Senate Committee on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs will be holding an informational briefing to address concerns raised in the Audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ (DHHL) Homestead Services Division and other related departmental issues.   The Office of the Auditor (Auditor) released a report on the division (Report No. 13-02) in April of this year.

The briefing will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 2:45 p.m. in the State Capitol’s Conference Room 229.

Among the concerns found in the report is the commission’s failure to meet its fiduciary obligations, as well as the department’s lax management of lessee loans. The report states that in attempting to provide long-term tenancy to lease beneficiaries, the commission has thwarted collection or cancellation of chronically delinquent homestead leases, consequently tying up leases and staff resources to the detriment of the beneficiaries still waiting for leases. The report further found that, as of June 30, 2011, there were 9,922 homestead leases statewide and 26,170 applicants waiting for homestead leases. In FY2011, the department issued 177 new homestead leases. That year, the department collected $61.1 million in revenues and accrued $70 million in expenses.

I’m glad that the department has recognized many of the Auditor’s concerns and is seeking to aggressively look at and take action on the loan delinquency issues,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs. “This is not a time to point fingers, but is a time for self-reflection. My hope is that through this report and discussion that we will be able to take steps to resolve these issues and enhance the overall performance of the agency. Our beneficiaries and the public at large deserve greater transparency and accountability.”

The following officials from the DHHL and the Auditor will be present during the discussion:

  • Jobie Masagatani, Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
  • Darrell Young, Deputy Director, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
  • Commissioners, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
  • Jan K. Yamane, Acting State Auditor

DHHL administers about 200,000 acres of public lands set aside for agricultural and pastoral use to be leased to native Hawaiians, upon which they may live, farm, ranch, and engage in commercial or other activities. The department, headed by a nine member executive board, the Hawaiian Homes Commission, is responsible for the provision of financial and technical assistance to native Hawaiians (those with at least 50 percent Hawaiian blood), which enables them to enhance their economic self-sufficiency and promote community-based development. According to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, by doing this, the traditions, culture, and quality of life of native Hawaiians will be self-sustaining.

No public testimony will be accepted.

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Mar

08

State Senate Confirms Jobie Masagatani as Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission

Confirmations / Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

(Senators confirm Jobie Masagatani as Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.)

Honolulu –  The Hawaii State Senate today confirmed Jobie Masagatani as the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.  Upon confirmation, Masagatani had been serving as the Commission’s Chairperson Designate.

Jobie is well qualified to serve the people of Hawaii and the constituents of the Hawaiian Homes Commission,” said Senate Majority Brickwood Galuteria, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and Tourism.  “I am confident that she has the vision and commitment to carry out the mission of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.”

She began her career as a Budget Examiner in the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States. She returned to Hawaii in 1990 and worked as a Land Investment Analyst for the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate.  In 1993, she became a Project Manager for Hawaii Real Estate Research and Education Center at the University of Hawaii.  Masagatani then served as Deputy to the Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 1995-2002.

Subsequently, she took a position as Assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems where she was instrumental in developing the strategic plan to address Native Hawaiian health issues. Masagatani eventually returned to public service when she was hired as the Public Policy Program Manger at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the School of Education at Northwestern University and continued on to earn a Master’s degree in Public Affairs/Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University.

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Jul

20

Senators Respond to Landmark Signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

(Legislators joined together to sign the petition at Washington Place.) (L-R Senator Pohai Ryan, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Senator Michelle Kidani, Representative Faye Hanohano, Senator Gilbert Kahele and Senator Clayton Hee.)

Honolulu- Officials and members of the public joined together at Washington Place today for the historic signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll. The signing was accompanied by a petition of signatures in support of the roll.

State Senators offered the following remarks in response to the landmark signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll:

Today’s signing is a great testimony to the courageous individuals who decades ago saw injustice and stepped forward,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs. “The inauguration of this roll marks the next step in the framework towards self-governance for the Hawaiian people.”

The signing of this legislation signifies an important stage in the long journey towards justice and self-determination for the people of the first nation of these islands,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the measure which established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. “The people of Hawai‘i and, in particular, the native Hawaiian people have the opportunity and privilege to move forward together toward self determination with a renewed sense of optimism for our future together as one.”

This is a historic and positive day for the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian community, many have waited decades for this recognition,” said Senator Malama Solomon, who was the chief negotiator of the measure. “The signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll moves forward the reconciliation process for mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian people.“

(Senator Galuteria and Trustee Apo joined Senators Akaka and Inouye and signed the petition in Akaka’s Washington D.C. office.) (Courtesy of the Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka)

In 2011 Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill 1520, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, into law as Act 195. In addition to formally recognizing Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i,” the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC).

Comprised of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat, NHRC was tasked with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the act. The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

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Jul

13

Senator Brickwood Galuteria Plans Trip to Nation’s Capital to Attend Indigenous Symposium and Native Hawaiian Roll Signing

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Honolulu- Hawaii State Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria will travel to our nation’s capital next week where he will attend the inaugural First Stewards Symposium at the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall, from July 17-20, 2012. While in Washington, D.C., Senator Galuteria will also join Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye for the historic signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll.

A first of its kind national event the First Stewards Symposium will examine the impact of climate change on indigenous coastal cultures and explore solutions based on traditional ecological knowledge. During the event, Senator Galuteria will provide remarks and moderate a panel discussion on how Pacific cultures adapt to global warming and climate change.

Indigenous people remain key stakeholders in environmental decisions currently being made at the local, state, and national level. For indigenous people culture, nature, and land are inseparable,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, who chairs the Senate Committee on Native Hawaiian Affairs. “Platforms like these underscore the importance for government to consult with indigenous groups prior to making policy decisions that have significant impact on the welfare of our country’s first stewards.”

On the closing day of the symposium, Senator Galuteria will join Senators Akaka and Inouye for the landmark signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll. The signing is scheduled to occur in tandem with the roll signing at Washington Place.

The signing of the Native Hawaiian Roll will be remembered by future generations to come,” said Senator Galuteria, who was one of the primary introducers of the 2011 measure which established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. “The inauguration of this roll marks the next step in the framework towards self-governance for the Hawaiian people.”

In 2011 Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill 1520, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, into law as Act 195. In addition to formally recognizing Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawaii,” the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC).

Comprised of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat, NHRC was tasked with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the act. The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

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Jul

10

Statement by Senator J. Kalani English in Response to Governor’s Veto of Hawaiian Language Bill

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Honolulu- Today Governor Neil Abercrombie vetoed House Bill 1984, requiring the use of the Hawaiian language.

If passed the bill would have designated the month of February as “Olelo Hawai‘i Month” to celebrate and encourage the use of Hawaiian language. The measure would have further required that all letterheads, documents, symbols, and emblems of the State and other government departments include accurate and appropriate spelling and punctuations of Hawaiian names and language.

Senator J. Kalani English issued this statement in response to Governor Neil Abercrombie’s veto of HB 1984 today:

While I am saddened that House Bill 1984 was not signed into law, I am proud of the great strides that have been made by the Legislature and the people of Hawaii to bring about a renaissance of Hawaiian language,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs.

“Since 1978 the Hawaii Constitution has recognized the Hawaiian Language as one of the official languages of the State. The enactment of this measure would have further codified the Hawaiian language.”

“I have spoken with Governor Abercrombie who has assured me that a working group will be created to assess the implementation of Hawaiian language. I hope to work with the Governor and others to further evaluate how Hawaiian language can be appropriately incorporated into our state government.”

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Apr

25

Legislative Conference Committee Passes Hawaiian Language Mandates

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

HONOLULU- A Senate and House Conference Committee passed House Bill 1984 Senate Draft 1, Conference Draft 1, requiring the use of the Hawaiian language this morning. The conference draft will now go before the full Senate and House for a floor vote.

The bill designates the month of February as “‘Olelo Hawai‘i Month” to celebrate and encourage the use of Hawaiian language. The measure further requires that all letterheads, documents, symbols, and emblems of the State and other government departments include accurate and appropriate spelling and punctuations of Hawaiian names and language.

In 1978, the Hawaii Constitution was amended to recognize the Hawaiian language as one of the two official languages of the State. Since then, great strides have been made to bring about a renaissance of the Hawaiian language.

The passage of this bill further codifies the Hawaiian language as one of the official languages of the State,” said Sen. J. Kalani English, who is a member of the Conference Committee that passed this bill.

The Senate has passed similar bills in the past six years, but it has stalled in the House.

For years we have asked for parity in the appropriate use of Hawaiian language as one of two official languages, I am elated that this measure is moving forward and will soon become law,” said Sen. J. Kalani English, represents District 6, (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Kaho‘olawe). “This is a great day for those of us who carry on the language of our Grandparents’ parents.”

If the measure is passed by both the Senate and the House and it is signed into law by the Governor, the measure will take affect on January 1, 2013.

To view video click here.

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Mar

30

Settlement Regarding Ceded Lands Heading to Governor’s Desk

Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

HONOLULU – Senate Bill 2783, relating to public trust lands, was passed out of the House of Representatives today.  The bill will make its way to the Governor next.

This is an historic day for the State of Hawaii, as many have waited decades for a resolution to this issue regarding ceded lands,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui.  “I commend all parties involved for their hard work and commitment to shepherding the passage of this bill.”

“The passage of this landmark legislation is a major step in the right direction for the Native Hawaiian community and Hawaii as it brings closure to a long-standing dispute,” said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, chairperson for the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs.  “I thank the House for moving this bill forward and for supporting this measure.”

Senate Bill 2783 would convey Kaka‘ako Makai lands to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).  The State and OHA agreed that an approximately $200 million settlement represents a reasonable compromise of the disputed claims.  To satisfy that $200 million amount, the State is conveying contiguous and adjacent parcels in Kaka‘ako Makai.   The parcels are near Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park, including Fisherman’s Wharf.

If the measure is approved by the Governor, all disputes and controversies relating to OHA’s portion of income and proceeds from the public trust lands will be extinguished and discharged as well as bar all claims, suits, and actions for the period November 7, 1978 through June 30, 2012.

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Mar

05

Settlement Regarding Ceded Lands Poised for Full Senate Vote

Hawaiian Affairs / Judiciary & Labor / Press Releases / Water & Land / Ways and Means

HONOLULU – Senate Bill 2783, relating to public trust lands, is expected to go before the full Senate for a vote tomorrow, March 6, 2012. If passed, the legislation will move to the House for consideration.  The Senate Committees on Judiciary and Labor and Ways and Means passed the measure out of committee without amendments last Friday.

It was a landmark decision for the committees to pass the bill,” said Senator J. Kalani English, a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  “This has been a long time coming and it is the first step in the right direction.”

Senate Bill 2783 would convey Kaka‘ako Makai lands to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).  The State and OHA agree that a $200 million approximate settlement amount represents a reasonable compromise of the disputed claims.  To satisfy that $200 million amount, the State is conveying contiguous and adjacent parcels in Kaka‘ako Makai.   The parcels are near Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park, including Fisherman’s Warf.

If the measure is ultimately approved by the Governor, all disputes and controversies relating to OHA’s portion of income and proceeds from the public trust lands will be extinguished and discharged as well as bar all claims, suits, and actions for the period November 7, 1978 through June 30, 2012.

I am satisfied we are moving forward with this bill to better the conditions of native Hawaiians and we at a certain point must trust the work of OHA and the administration in reaching this settlement,” added Sen. English, who represents District 6, encompassing Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.   “I thank Governor Abercrombie, OHA Chairperson Colette Machado and Attorney General David Louie for their efforts in reaching an agreement that Senators could consider.”

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Nov

03

Senators Among Distinguished Panelist for Discussion of Act 195

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / In the Community


On October 28, 2011 Senator Clayton Hee (District 23, Kahuku, La‘ie, Ka‘a‘awa, Kane‘ohe) and Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, Keaukaha and Hilo) participated in a panel discussion on Act 195, regarding Native Hawaiian recognition by the State of Hawaii.

The event was part of the 52nd Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC), which took place from October 24-30.

Other members of the panel included Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Colette Machado and former Governor John D. Waihee, III, who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. The panel was moderated by former AHCC president H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Esq.

Act 195 formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i.” In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. Members of the commission were appointed by the Governor in September. It is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat. The Commission is tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act.

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Nov

02

Senate and House receive update on progress of State Historic Preservation Division

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / Water & Land

On On November 1, 2011, the Senate Committees on Water Land and Housing and Hawaiian Affairs held a joint informational briefing with their House counterparts to receive an update on the State Historic Preservation Division’s (SHPD) progress in meeting requirements issued by the National Park Service in 2010, in order to maintain future federal funding for SHPD activities.

During the briefing, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Director William Aila Jr. provided remarks to the Legislature regarding SHPD’s capability of meeting NPS specified requirements. SHPD will provide an update to the Legislature during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Background

The State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) falls under provision of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) and “works to preserve and sustain reminders of earlier times which link the past to the present.” To assist in the accomplishment of this goal, the division has three branches, which include history and culture, archaeology, and architecture.

In 2010, the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) designated the SHPD as a “high risk grantee.” This designation was based on report of NPS’s 2009 audit findings that the state had not met its obligation under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). NPS determined that Hawaii had significant operational problems in several mandated activities, including Survey & Inventory, Review & Compliance, National Register of Historic Places, Certified Local Government administration, and Historic Preservation Planning.

To correct the problems identified in the report, NPS compiled a series of corrective actions that span a 2-year time period. Failure to meet all requirements specified in the corrective action plan will result in the removal of the State’s approval status, termination of all active grants, and ineligibility for any new grants until approved program status has been regained.

The loss of Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant and funds and Hawaii’s approved program status would negatively impact the State’s economy. Without an approved State Historic Preservation Program:

  • Matching grant agreements between the NPS and Hawaii in excess of $1.1 million could be jeopardized
  • Uncertainty in how government agencies operating in Hawaii comply with Federal and state laws could cause serious delays in economic stimulus and other Federally-funded construction projects
  • Federal assistance provided through the SHPD could be restricted or unavailable to the citizens and property owners of Hawaii
  • Delay could occur in properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, which would adversely affect their eligibility for Federal and state historic preservation tax incentivizes, and/ or for historic preservation grant programs
  • There could be irreparable harm to locally and nationally significant historic properties of importance to the people of Hawaii and the nation.

The NPS report on Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division Operations
and other information related to SHPD can be found online at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/hpd/hpgrtg.htm.

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