The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands recently awarded agricultural lots to 68 beneficiaries, marking the largest agricultural lot distribution in nearly 40 years. The awards were announced at an event attended by nearly 200 beneficiaries and their families, as well as state Sen. Kurt Fevella and Rep. Darius Kila. The lots awarded include 16 1-acre subsistence agricultural parcels in Honomu, 20 5-acre agricultural lots, and 32 2-acre subsistence agriculture lots in Makuu.
The Director of DHHL, Kali Watson, emphasized that these lots are more than just land – they are opportunities for beneficiaries to reconnect with the land, in line with Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole’s vision. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke also highlighted the importance of these awards in promoting food sovereignty and self-sustainability.
Beneficiaries have the option to use the lots for home consumption or small-scale agricultural activities, with the possibility of constructing a single-family home or supplemental dwelling unit. Those who choose to grow crops commercially must create a farm plan as part of their lease agreement.
An additional 40 subsistence agricultural lots are planned for development in Honomu in the next two years, with a total of over 1,600 lots planned for various homesteads across Hawaii Island. The awards are part of efforts to address the out-migration of local residents and provide diverse homesteading options. Rep. Kila highlighted the importance of these initiatives in keeping Native Hawaiians and people in Hawaii.
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