STATE OF HAWAI’I
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE RULE AMENDMENTS
PILINA-BASED PRIORITY WAITLIST
Pursuant to Chapter 91, Hawai’i Revised Statutes, and Title 10, Hawai’i Administrative Rules, notice is hereby given that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will conduct a virtual public hearing and a hybrid public hearing that provides both in-person and virtual participation. The purpose of the public hearings is for DHHL to receive oral and/or written comments on proposed administrative rule amendments that will establish a Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist for Hawaiian Home Lands homestead lease awards.
An Informational Briefing will be held as an introduction, before the formal public hearing begins in order to explain the proposed amendments and answer questions. DHHL will then start the public hearing to receive testimonies. During the public hearing, DHHL can only receive testimony.
Description of Proposed Amendments: DHHL is proposing amendments to Hawai’i Administrative Rules (HAR) Section 10-3-7 Priority and Preference for Award of Leases, and is adding a new Section 10-3-12 Awards to Applicants Who are Lineal Descendants or Previous or Existing Residents. The proposed rule amendments establish a “Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist” for each homestead area where homestead leases will be awarded. Before DHHL awards homestead leases, it will notify all applicants on the respective islandwide waitlist (agricultural, residential, pastoral) that the Department is accepting applications for the Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist for the homestead area. Existing applicants would be placed on the Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist by date of application, if they can document and DHHL is able to verify that the applicant is:
1. A former or current resident who has resided in the area for at least
18 years; or
2. A Lineal Descendant with ancestors who resided in the area prior to 1900.
When DHHL awards homestead leases, if an “Area Waiting List” exists, homestead leases would be awarded first to those on the Area Waitlist. When the Area Waitlist is exhausted or if there is no Area Waitlist, DHHL will award homestead leases to applicants on the Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist. If the Pilina-Based Priority Waitlist is exhausted, DHHL will award homestead leases to applicants on the respective Island-wide Waitlist.
This rule amendment gives preference to lineal descendants and long-term residents of the homestead area when homestead leases are awarded. This rule is intended to award 99-year homestead leases to applicants who have ancestral ties to the homestead area. This amendment supports the continued presence of family lines on their ancestral lands so they may strengthen their pilina to place, exercise their kuleana and knowledge of natural and cultural resources, wahi pana, cultural traditions, and practices. Maintaining family ties to their ancestral lands strengthens family networks, preserves cultural knowledge, and promotes successful homestead settlement.
Hearing Dates and Times (HST):
Virtual Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Via Zoom, Meeting ID: 879 5786 7412 Passcode: 121
Hybrid Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
In-person at Hale Pono’i, DHHL Headquarters, 91-5420 Kapolei Prkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707; or
Via Zoom, Meeting ID: 890 2031 9272 Passcode: 121
The proposed rule, meeting links, and testimony instructions are available online at dhhl.hawaii.gov/administrative-rules-pilina-based-priority-waitlist/ or in person at any DHHL District Office.
How to Submit Testimony: Provide your name, resident address, status (Lessee, Applicant, or General Public). Oral and/or Written testimony may be given in person or virtually by attending one of the public hearings (3-minute limit). In addition, written testimony will be received after the Public Hearings. Mail comments to: DHHL-Planning Office, 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96707 or email comments to: dhhl.planning@hawaii.gov. Deadline: Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
For more information, please contact the DHHL Planning Office at:
dhhl.planning@hawaii.gov
(808) 730-0347
(1514575 WHT/TGI 12/27/25, SA/HTH 12/28/25)
