Ige Proposes Highest Level of Funding Ever for DHHL

Governor David Ige. State of Hawai’i Governor’s Office photo.

Governor David Ige proposed a funding plan on Monday for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands that could be the highest level of funding for the department on record.

The State Constitution requires that the state provides funding for the department’s administrative and operating costs.

Governor Ige proposed that DHHL’s $9.61 million in general fund appropriations for FY2016 would be replaced with $17.14 million in general funds.

Next year, the funds would be $17.8 million with fringe benefits of $5.7 million, totaling $23.5 million.

The funding is subject to approval by the legislature.

“We want to give DHHL the tools and flexibility to reform and restructure the department. I will hold DHHL accountable, with the ultimate goal of giving beneficiaries greater access to DHHL programs and services,” said Governor Ige.

DHHL funding has fluctuated over the years. Between 2010 and 2013, DHHL received no general funds, using trust and special funds to operate, according to the Office of the Governor.