SENATOR MAILE SHIMABUKURO 2024 HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE
Ka‘ena - Makahā - Waiʻanae - Nānākuli - Mā‘ili - Ko Olina
FEBRUARY 2024
BREAKING NEWS
LATEST COMMUNITY UPDATES DHHL and Beneficiary Cash Awards (SB2640) Hawaiʻi lawmakers have proposed a measure allowing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer cash awards instead of leases to beneficiaries on the waiting list. Supporters argue that all options to reduce the list should be explored, while critics insist that beneficiaries should only be placed directly onto the land. Introduced by Senator Maile Shimabukuro, the bill aims to alleviate the DHHL waiting list by offering cash awards. DHHL beneficiary DeMont Manaʻole initially felt uneasy about the proposal but later acknowledged that some may prefer financial stability over waiting for a lease. DHHL's head of government relations, Oriana Leao, expressed openness to ideas but emphasized the agency's commitment to placing Native Hawaiians back on the land. With over 28,000 beneficiaries on the waiting list, the measure would require amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, necessitating approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior and Congress. The Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee approved the measure 4-1, with an amendment ensuring beneficiaries retain the right to lease transfer if they accept cash awards. The bill awaits further hearings before the Senate Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary. (Hawaii Public Radio, 1/31/2024)
Sen. Brian Schatz
Sen. Mazie Hirono
Rep. Ed Case
Rep Jill Tokuda
CONGRESS SEEKS TO MAKE FEBRUARY 2024, MAHINA ‘ŌLELO HAWAI’I Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, with support from Senator Mazie Hirono, Rep. Case, and Rep. Tokuda, introduced a congressional resolution designating February 2024 as “MAHINA ’ŌLELO HAWAI’I” (Hawaiian Language Month). This acknowledgement notes the ingrained cultural importance of the native language of these islands and notes the struggles experienced in its revitalization after a 90 year prohibition of its teaching in public schools. Senate Resolution 546 (2024) encourages, recognition, and supports the use of ‘Olelo Hawai’i across the United States. I KA ‘ŌLELO NŌ KE OLA, I KA ‘ŌLELO NŌ KA MAKE
(In language there is indeed life, In language there is indeed death)