DHHL STATEMENT ON ABANDONED VEHICLES IN MAKUʻU

News Release from DHHL, Feb 7, 2020

(MAKUʻU, HAWAIʻI ISLAND) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands issued the following statement on Feb. 7, 2020, regarding abandoned vehicles on homestead lots in Makuʻu.

“The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is aware of the issue involving dozens of intentionally abandoned vehicles on Hawaiian Homestead lots in Makuʻu on Hawaiʻi Island.

“Upon receiving complaints in the latter part of 2019, the Department began an investigation into the situation. The investigation included an assessment by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, citation of several unpermitted structures, citation of the abandoned vehicles, and trespass notices given to unauthorized campers. An investigation into the homesteaders who hold leases for these lots was also initiated. The Department is taking steps to prevent any future dumping in the area.

“DHHL is collaborating with other State agencies and Hawaiʻi County to prepare a work plan for the removal of the unpermitted structures along with the removal and disposal of the vehicles. Homeless services providers are assisting with unauthorized campers in this area, and the Department is cooperating with law enforcement in an investigation of the intentionally abandoned vehicles.

“The public is encouraged to report any dumping, abandoned vehicles, or unauthorized campers on Hawaiian homelands to DHHL as soon as possible.”

Over the past six months, the Department has partnered with the Governor’s Task Force on Homelessness, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation, and other service providers to remove unpermitted structures, unauthorized campers, and abandoned vehicles from Kalaeloa, Anahola, Hanapepe, King’s Landing, and other locations statewide.

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Precisely as Explained: DHHL Leaseholds--many vacant or abandoned  

...Maku’u Farm Lots in the Puna District of the Big Island is notoriously vacant (see Google satellite).  According to a 2010 DHHL report 59 residents live in 22 homes in a subdivision of 127 lots.

Asked about Maku’u, Duarte explains: “A 1983 Federal-State Task Force on the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act stated DHHL needed to issue leases faster and cheaper. In response to the Task Forces’ recommendation, DHHL created the Kuleana Homestead Program and the Acceleration Program.

“The goal of the Acceleration Program was to award 2,500 homestead lots over the course of three years. This program included residential and agricultural awards, some of which were lots that were not subdivided and had no improvements. Lots in Maku’u were offered as part of the Acceleration and many lots did not have access to water and were covered in lava rock.

“There are currently 121 agricultural lessees in Maku’u and DHHL expects to offer 30 lots Maku’u in 2020.  Beneficiaries are not required to build a home on an agricultural lot.”....