HR 116: requesting the department of hawaiian home lands to expand and strengthen financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness programs.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of hawaiian home lands to expand and strengthen financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness programs.

     WHEREAS, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is entrusted with managing lands set aside for the betterment of Native Hawaiians and supporting beneficiaries in securing stable, long‑term housing opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness programs equip beneficiaries with essential tools for navigating mortgage qualification, understanding long-term financial obligations, and building generational wealth; and

     WHEREAS, expanding such programs can help beneficiaries strengthen credit profiles, improve loan readiness, avoid lease cancellations, and achieve sustainable homeownership outcomes that support long-term stability within Hawaiian communities; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requested to expand and strengthen financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness programs to better support beneficiaries in achieving long‑term lease stability and generational success; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requested to collaborate with financial education providers, credit counseling organizations, mortgage lenders, and community-based partners to:

     (1)  Expand access to pre-award financial readiness education;

     (2)  Provide post-award counseling and homeownership support;

     (3)  Develop culturally responsive financial education materials; and

     (4)  Identify funding needs and potential federal or private grant opportunities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, detailing:

     (1)  Program improvements made pursuant to this measure;

     (2)  The number of beneficiaries served by each program component;

     (3)  Measurable outcomes related to lease retention, credit improvement, and homeownership readiness; and

     (4)  Any additional resources or support needed to further strengthen these programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

Report Title: 

DHHL; Financial Literacy; Credit Readiness; Homeownership Programs