Board approves final transfer of state-owned lands to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Today, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to authorize the transfer of 318.25 acres of state lands in the Waiākea area of Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The transfer is part of a joint effort between DLNR and DHHL leadership, with the support of Gov. Josh Green, to resolve claims between DHHL and the state of Hawaiʻi relating to the use or alienation of Hawaiian home lands between Aug. 21, 1959 and July 1, 1988. Conveyance of the final parcel is still subject to approval by the Hawaiian Homes Commission, a nine-member board that governs DHHL. If approved, the total acreage conveyed would exceed the outstanding balance owed to DHHL. “Today’s decision by the BLNR represents another important step toward honoring the state’s commitments to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries,” said Governor Josh Green.

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