Gov. Josh Green signs 13 bills for Native Hawaiian housing, education, and culture

Gov. Josh Green signed 13 pieces of legislation into law on Friday, June 28, which Green’s Administration says marks a significant day for continuing the governor’s commitment to Hawaiʻi’s Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), Native Hawaiian education, cultural practices and traditions, and stewardship.

“We’re celebrating, as I’ve said a couple of times, a lot of collaboration on super meaningful legislation that moves our state forward,” Green said during the Friday morning press conference, thanking state legislators for their work on the bills.

Green highlighted bills during his presentation, which was live-streamed on Facebook, including Senate Bill 3109, House Bill 2074, Senate 2937, and Senate Bill 2659 during the event, explained below:

SB 3109: ADDRESSING THE HOUSING WAITLIST

SB 3109 tackles the long-standing waitlist to provide housing to beneficiaries by extending a $600 million special fund. This fund will be used to develop housing, purchase land, provide funding for applicants on the waiting list, and offer housing assistance to families. Additionally, the bill explores revenue-generating opportunities from controlled lands to further assist beneficiaries.

“This legislation is a major step toward fulfilling our commitment to providing housing for our beneficiaries,” said Governor Green. “By extending this special fund, we can make significant progress in addressing the housing needs of our community.”

HB 2074: STRATEGIC PLAN FOR KAIAPUNI EDUCATION

HB 2074 mandates the Department of Education (DOE) to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for Kaiapuni (learning environment) education during the 2023-2024 school year. The plan will monitor the academic success of approximately 1,400 students in the Kaiapuni program. The bill also appropriates approximately $3.5 million to fund new positions for Kaiapuni teachers and curriculum specialists.

“Kaiapuni education is vital for the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian language and culture,” stated Governor Green. “This strategic plan will ensure that our Kaiapuni students receive the support they need to succeed academically. I thank the DOE for their dedication to this important cause.”

SB 2937: HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING AT UH HILO

SB 2937 permanently exempts the College of Hawaiian Languages at UH Hilo from English-medium standards. This legislation furthers the state’s commitment to Hawaiian language learning and education, ensuring that students can receive instruction in the Hawaiian language without the constraints of English-medium standards.

“This bill is a testament to our commitment to Hawaiian language revitalization,” said Governor Green. “By making this exemption permanent, we support UH Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Languages in its mission to promote and preserve the native language of Hawaiʻi.”

SB 2659: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

SB 2659 requires the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) to develop and update a Tourism Functional Plan. This plan will update Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry policy to emphasize sustainable development, cultural integrity, and economic diversification, including Native Hawaiian cultural resources.

“Sustainable tourism is essential for the future of our state,” stated Governor Green. “This bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.”

Governor Green’s signing of today’s 13 bills signifies a commitment to strengthening Hawaiian homelands, enhancing Native Hawaiian education, preserving cultural practices, and promoting sustainable development. These new laws are set to bring meaningful change to the state and its people.

“Today, we make significant strides in supporting our Native Hawaiian community and preserving our cultural heritage,” concluded Governor Green. “I am grateful to all the legislators, advocates, and community members who have worked tirelessly to make these bills possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for Hawaiʻi and its Native Hawaiian communities.”

The complete list of bills signed included the following:

SB3154 HD1 SD1 CD1: RELATING TO REGULATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

HB2218 HD1 SD2: RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT

SB2289 SD2 HD2 CD1: RELATING TO KALAUPAPA

SB2591 SD2 HD1 CD1: RELATING TO BURIAL SITES

SB2657 SD1 HD2 CD1: RELATING TO MAKAHIKI COMMEMORATION DAY

SB3236 HD1 CD1: RELATING TO THE LAND TRUST ACT

SB3123 SD2 HD1 CD1: RELATING TO ACCESS TO VITAL RECORDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS

HB1529 HD2 SD2: RELATING TO BURIAL COUNCILS

HB2626 HD1 SD1P RELATING TO FISHPONDS