Overcoming Housing Challenges for Native Hawaiians: A Message of Hope
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The History of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands
- The Housing Challenges in Hawaii
- 3.1 Limited Audience and Available Land
- 3.2 Shifting the Direction for Housing
- The Concept of Hawaiian Homelands
- 4.1 Homesteading: A Western Concept
- 4.2 Economic Investment and Pastoral Opportunities
- Rethinking Success in Hawaiian Homelands
- Strengthening Education and Support
- Making Pathways Easier for Residents
- 7.1 Subsistence Agriculture: A New Approach
- 7.2 Decreasing Barriers to Housing
- Encouraging Living on Neighbor Islands
- Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
- A Message of Hope for the Future
Introduction
In this article, we will explore the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and the challenges it faces in providing housing solutions for Native Hawaiians. We will delve into the history of the department, the limited audience it serves, and the shifting direction of housing initiatives. Additionally, we will discuss the concept of Hawaiian homelands, the need for rethinking success, and the importance of strengthening education and support. We will also explore ways to make pathways to housing easier, including the encouragement of living on neighbor islands. Finally, we will conclude with a message of hope for the future of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands.
🏘️ The History of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands was established in 1920 through the Hawaii Homes Commission Act. This legislation, championed by Prince Kuhio, aimed to provide land and housing specifically for Native Hawaiians. Despite facing significant challenges as a non-voting delegate surrounded by an all-white Congress, Prince Kuhio managed to convince them of the importance of inalienable homesteading lands for Native Hawaiians. Today, as the department marks its hundredth year of existence, it continues to prioritize the access to land and housing for Native Hawaiians.
🌴 The Housing Challenges in Hawaii
While there is a high demand for single-family homes among Native Hawaiians, limited available land and preservation needs pose significant challenges for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Approximately one-third of the 200,000 acres managed by the department are dedicated to preservation and conservation, making it unsuitable for residential development. On Oahu, where land scarcity is particularly acute, the waitlist for housing is the longest. In light of these challenges, the department is compelled to explore alternative housing options and shift its focus.
⛩️ The Concept of Hawaiian Homelands
The concept of Hawaiian homelands goes beyond residential housing. Originally, the Homesteading Program aimed to provide both residential and agricultural opportunities for Native Hawaiians. However, a shift occurred in the Department of Hawaiian Homelands' focus, predominantly driven by the perception of success measured solely by the number of homes built. Consequently, the agricultural aspects of the program and the relevance of economic investment were marginalized. To address these limitations, a reevaluation of success and a return to the program's original vision are necessary.
🌺 Rethinking Success in Hawaiian Homelands
Success in the Department of Hawaiian Homelands should be evaluated beyond the number of residential homes built. By embracing a broader perspective that encompasses economic investment, agricultural opportunities, and the preservation of cultural identity, the department can better serve the needs of Native Hawaiians. Additionally, by recognizing the significance of subsistence farming and the diverse aspirations of kanaka farmers, the department can provide support tailored to individual needs and foster a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
🎓 Strengthening Education and Support
To promote agricultural opportunities and support kanaka farmers, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands needs to enhance education and support programs. This includes providing agricultural resources, expertise, and guidance to lessees on agricultural parcels. By equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools, the department can encourage and facilitate sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the growth of local produce and reducing Hawaii's heavy reliance on imported goods.
🚧 Making Pathways Easier for Residents
To address the housing needs of Native Hawaiians, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands must seek innovative approaches beyond traditional residential homes. This involves exploring alternatives such as Hawaiian homeland condominiums and rentals. While these options may not align with everyone's preferences, they serve the larger goal of preventing the exodus of Native Hawaiians from the state. Shifting the perspective on housing and finding ways to make pathways to housing easier will foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.
🏝️ Encouraging Living on Neighbor Islands
The neighbor islands offer more available lands for housing development, making them a priority for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. However, realizing the potential of these islands depends on legislative funding, which fluctuates based on political priorities. Encouraging residents to consider living on neighbor islands necessitates overcoming barriers and dispelling the reluctance to move away from familiar places. By embracing the challenge and recognizing the opportunities these islands offer, individuals can find homes that align with their cultural heritage.
✨ Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands faces numerous challenges in addressing the housing needs of Native Hawaiians. However, these challenges can be overcome by embracing change and adopting innovative strategies. By allocating sufficient resources, reevaluating success metrics, and focusing on economic investment, agricultural opportunities, and sustainable living, the department can better serve the diverse needs of the community.
🌈 A Message of Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Recent government funding of $600 million, the largest allocation in the department's history, demonstrates a willingness to support innovative ideas and tackle the housing crisis. Moving forward, it is crucial for the department, government, and the community to continue embracing new possibilities and working towards a future where housing, land, and cultural identity are accessible to all Native Hawaiians.
