Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Impact
The focus of the audit outlined in SR6 includes assessing the department's operational efficiency, resource allocation, and the sustainability of its trust funds. This thorough evaluation aims to pinpoint gaps in service delivery and improve the department's responsiveness to the needs of applicants. Moreover, the audit is expected to yield recommendations for enhancing departmental policies, structures, and programs to facilitate better outcomes for beneficiaries, directly impacting state laws related to land management and housing for native Hawaiians.
Summary
Senate Resolution 6 (SR6), introduced in 2026, seeks to address ongoing issues within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) by requesting a comprehensive performance audit. This audit aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the DHHL's operations, given that over 29,000 applicants are still waiting for homestead lands, and tragically, many have died before receiving their awards. The resolution highlights the significant gap between the department's mission to deliver lands to native Hawaiians and the actual outcomes of its services.
Contention
Notably, the resolution was introduced against the backdrop of previous legislative appropriations, particularly Act 279, which allocated $600 million to the DHHL aimed at reducing the waitlist. The lack of measurable results from this investment has raised concerns among lawmakers about the effectiveness of the department and its ability to fulfill its mission. Critics may argue that too much focus on performance metrics might detract from the cultural and social aspects of managing land for native Hawaiians.
Resolution
SR6 mandates that the Auditor submit a report on the findings and recommendations no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2027. This suggests a crucial timeline for accountability, as stakeholders expect tangible results to rectify the longstanding challenges faced by the DHHL and the beneficiaries it serves. The resolution is a step toward greater transparency and efficiency in the management of Hawaiian home lands.