Executive Council
 

Prince Kūhiō

ABOUT US

From 1925 to 1987 lessees residing on Hawaiian Home Lands had no united way to address issues common to all homesteaders and to make these issues known to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and others whose decision-making affected them.  Further there was no collective way in which they could participate to confirm the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 and the land trust that it established was preserved in perpetuity for beneficiaries of the Act.

In 1987, the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations (SCHHA) was established to provide a mechanism through which homesteaders could effectively voice their mana‘o on matters and issues of concern to all homesteaders.  Since 1987 the SCHHA has grown and transitioned into a viable statewide homestead community-based organization consisting of 24 organizations representing over 30,000 homesteaders.

The SCHHA is governed by a five-member Executive Council responsible for policy and decision-making. The Executive Council members are the presidents of each Island Council or ahupua'a.

The Ahupua'a Island Councils are made up of the elected officers of member homestead associations of that island and are governed by an executive board.

The Hawaiian Home Lands trust governed and operated in perpetuity by its beneficiaries.

E Kuha‘o na pulapula a Kuhio - The descendants of Kuhio will be independent.

• Effective advocacy by its membership that results in decisions positive to the Hawaiian Home Lands trust and its beneficiaries.

• A statewide organization with capable leadership and an educated and involved membership.

In keeping with its mission, the SCHHA has partnered with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to secure the following:

• The $600 million dollar settlement for breach of trust.

• Potable water for agriculture by securing an amendment to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

• Ninth commissioner to adequately represent the island of Hawai‘i

• A flexible formula for guaranteeing DHHL loans to lessees.

• New mortgage loan program that provides more sources for home construction financing for lessees.

• Establishing "Enterprise Zones" on Hawaiian Home Lands thereby allowing Hawaiians to participate in economic ventures.

• Tax exemptions for Hawaiian Homes’ lessees for house and lands.

• Extended homestead leases from 99 years to an aggregate of 199 years.

• Return of 16,000 acres, which brings the land trust account to its original acreage as established by law.

The major challenge facing us is the legal threat to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act which provides the lands that we live and the basis for an estimated 150 programs and services that benefit Hawaiians.

• Pule Mau!

• Get informed by learning about the issues.

• Get involved in the fight to protect what we have.

• Register to vote and vote for officials committed to helping Hawaiians.

 
• Talk to your legislators, council representatives, and other elected officials urging them to make our fight their fight.

• Network with family and friends urging them to get involved and help protect and keep what we have.

• Support lawmakers who have supported us.  

Appointees

Prince Kūhiō

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole was the ali‘i that was loved by his people.  Prince Kūhiō knew that if he did not look out for his peoples’ interest the lands, culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people would be jeopardized and in time, would be lost.  As an elected representative of Hawai‘i's delegates to Congress for over 20 years, Prince Kūhiō with the help and backing of supporters journeyed to Congress and orchestrated what we know as the "The Hawaiian Homestead Act of 1920.”  The State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations celebrates his life on his birthday every March 26^th in honor of this great.

Click here for Kūhiō Day Parade photo gallery.