(BIVN) – The Act 279 Working Group, comprised of six state representatives, met at the Capital on Thursday to get an update from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands on the execution of the $600 million in general funds appropriated by the legislature to address the needs of the Hawaiian Homes beneficiaries.

Lawmakers got an update on various Hawaiian Homes developments, including those in Kona.

image courtesy DHHL slide presentation

“In Laʻi ʻŌpua, in order for us to settle that area, we do need water,” said Stewart Matsunaga, the acting-administrator for the DHHL’s Land Development Division. “The first two projects are off-site water development projects to acquire different sites. The first one is with Kamehameha Schools. We’re continuing negotiations with KS, as well as with the county of Hawaiʻi Department of Water Supply.”

“Second one is (the) Gianulius site,” Matsunaga said. “It’s a private land owner, and recently we received a letter of intent from the owners on $9.2 million dollars. And we have accepted that a letter of intent, and the seller is currently setting up
escrow in fees.”

Hawaii Island Representative David Tarnas also inquired about the status of development in Waimea.

image courtesy DHHL slide presentation

“Folks in my district are all chomping at the bit, on both the Puʻukapu and the Lālāmilo housing developments there,” said Rep. Tarnas. “We just had a meeting last week with the (Army) Corps of Engineers with their update on UXO removal. They say they’re getting close. Lālāmilo should get a full clearance. ‘No further action’ letter should be forthcoming apparently on the Lālāmilo project.”