Hawaii's DHHL Faces Funding Challenges Amid Geothermal Energy Exploration
Hawaii's Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) faces funding challenges despite a $600 million allocation in 2022 aimed at reducing its beneficiary waitlist. Director Kali Watson is exploring geothermal energy as a potential revenue source to support the state's renewable energy goals, but his funding proposals are unlikely to succeed this legislative session, jeopardizing assistance for 29,000 individuals on the waitlist. Additionally, DHHL has reached its loan limit under federal housing assistance programs, complicating further financial support.

The Hawaii state House will oversee the $600 million funding allocated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in 2022 to address the beneficiary waitlist. DHHL Director Kali Watson is considering geothermal energy as a revenue source, targeting Hawaii's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.
The Puna Geothermal Venture currently meets only 20% of Hawaii island's energy needs. DHHL has reached its loan limit under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA), with discussions for a higher ceiling anticipated at the Legislature. However, Watson's funding plans are likely to fail this session, impacting the 29,000 individuals on DHHL's waitlist.




Comments