New DHHL Headquarters Dedicated

The new location is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to fulfill commitments to Native Hawaiians and also supports the initiative to build communities where residents can live and work.

“This move makes it easier for the West O‘ahu community to provide their input, voice and mana‘o on the important issue of Native Hawaiian land,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.

The tremendous success of DHHL under the Administration was also highlighted. In the first 80 years of the program, 5,800 leases were awarded. But in just the last five years, the department has awarded 2,200 homestead leases while becoming 98 percent financially self-sufficient, increasing revenue production from $7.38 million in FY2003 to $9.85 million in FY2007.

"With approximately 60 percent of O`ahu homesteaders living on the Leeward Coast, DHHL is moving closer to those it serves," Governor Lingle said.  "Hale Kalaniana`ole is an anchor for Kapolei and will increase jobs and affordable housing, as well as improve education and traffic."

The Governor also emphasized the need to reach a settlement that permanently resolves the ceded land revenues dispute that has been ongoing for 30 years and called on senators to consider the agreement reached between the State and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

"Some people say, after waiting 30 years, we can wait longer," she said.  "I say, waiting 30 years is long enough."

"This settlement has historical implications and goes beyond my Administration, the legislators and OHA trustees," the Governor continued. "It is about the past, and, more importantly, our future."

DHHL is the first state department to move its headquarters to O`ahu's second city of Kapolei.  The new office complex, Hale Kalaniana`ole, is named after Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, the father of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.