(BIVN) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director and chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, Kali Watson, announced Friday that he will not seek reappointment, and plans to step down at the end of the year.
Watson’s last day as DHHL director will be Thursday, December 31, 2026.
“Kali Watson came back to public service to get more Native Hawaiian families onto their homelands,” said Governor Josh Green in a news release. “He brought urgency to a waitlist that has spanned generations and pushed homestead projects forward across the state.”
During his four year term, the DHHL under Kali Watson and Governor Green offered more than 5,300 leases to beneficiaries, the vast majority of those in the last two years. The department projects it will offer nearly 4,900 leases in 2027.
“Governor Green, mahalo for your trust, your support and the opportunity to serve,” Watson stated. “You understood that behind every name on our waiting list is a person, an ʻohana and a hope that has too often been deferred. Your commitment helped us move that mission forward.”
From the DHHL news release:
In his announcement, Watson attributed the department’s success to his dedicated staff, “Behind every lease award, every groundbreaking and every family receiving keys are people working through applications, financing, engineering, contracts and countless details. Much of that work happens away from the spotlight. Please know that I see it, appreciate it and recognize the difference you make.”
Through the remainder of his term, Watson will help prepare for a smooth transition in an obligation to carry forward Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of returning our people to the land.
“These four years have demanded a great deal, but the opportunity to help our families has made the work deeply meaningful,” said Watson. “I look forward to taking a short break and then returning to my longtime development team — reconnecting with colleagues, getting back to building and exploring new ways to help the lāhui.”
“I will bring to that work a deeper understanding of our families’ needs and the partnerships that can help meet them. I look forward to exploring opportunities with OHA, the Aliʻi Trusts, community organizations and others committed to creating vibrant and thriving homesteading communities, successful farming, ranching, industrial and commercial enterprises. We collectively can and will create a stronger future for our people.”
