Are Native Hawaiians getting the help they’ve been asking for?

Much of the legislation addressing Native Hawaiians is introduced by two state agencies. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands administers certain public lands to be used as homesteads for Native Hawaiians, defined as individuals having at least 50% Hawaiian blood. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a semi-autonomous state agency responsible for improving the well-being of all Native Hawaiians — through advocacy, research, community engagement, land management and the funding of community programs — regardless of blood quantum. In spite of the mandates of these two agencies, the 2025 legislative session resulted in little success for DHHL and OHA bills and funding requests.

In 2026, DHHL is hoping again to get lawmakers to provide more money for housing on Hawaiian homelands and reduce the agency’s waitlist. Interest in geothermal development on Hawaiian lands also is increasing.

Quick Facts

Population numbers: More people who claim Native Hawaiian ancestry in combination with two or more races (362,893) live on the U.S. mainland than in Hawaiʻi (317,497).
Economic status: As of 2022, it was estimated that 10.6% of Native Hawaiian families were classified as living below the poverty level.
Homesteading: As of 2020, more than 34,000 Hawaiians lived on Hawaiian homelands. The largest populations are in Nānākuli (5,135) and Waimānalo (3,639), both located on Oʻahu.
Heritage: Hawaiʻi, which was an independent nation until 1893, is the only state to have a royal residence, ʻIolani Palace.

Native Hawaiian Affairs Bills In Hawaiʻi In 2025

In Focus

Here are the major Native Hawaiian bills considered this session, with the highlighted bills identified by Civil Beat as among the most significant in 2025. “In progress” status includes bills that may have been deferred but are technically still alive until the end of the two-year Legislature.

SB 534 In Progress

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Michelle Kidani

Clarifies the process by which the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority may approve residential development on certain parcels of Kakaako Makai. Raises the building height limit and the maximum floor area ratio on certain parcels in the area. Requires a certain percentage of the residential units developed on certain parcels to be allocated to households at or below a certain income level in perpetuity, with priority given to certain essential workforce in the area. Limits the sale of residential units developed in certain residential developments to prospective owner-occupants. Requires the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to determine a Kakaako Makai association fee to be collected from residents, tenants, and lessees of certain parcels to be deposited into a special account in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Special Fund to fund various services and projects in the Kakaako Makai area. (SD1)

HB 410 Passed

RELATING TO THE BUDGET OF THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS.

Appropriates moneys to fund the operating expenses of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for the fiscal biennium beginning on 7/1/2025, and ending on 6/30/2027. (CD1)

HB 606 In Progress

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOMELANDS.

Mahina Poepoe

Appropriates funds to be used by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for mercantile projects, as well as lump sum repair and maintenance, in fiscal year 2025-2026. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

HB 603 In Progress

RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN BUSINESS MARKETING.

Kirstin Kahaloa

Appropriates funds for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to convene a working group regarding program design, implementation, and long-term viability of a Native Hawaiian Marketing Program to promote and support the success of businesses owned by Hawaiians through marketing and technical assistance. Effective 7/1/3000.

SB 534

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land

In Progress

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land

SB 732

RELATING TO THE FILM INDUSTRY.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism

In Progress

RELATING TO THE FILM INDUSTRY.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism

HB 1246

RELATING TO CANNABIS.