Hawaiian Homes Commission

Definition

The Hawaiian Homes Commission is a governmental body established under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, aimed at providing homesteads to Native Hawaiians. This act was a response to the dispossession of Native Hawaiians from their lands, and it seeks to promote the rehabilitation of Native Hawaiian communities by offering land leases for agricultural and residential purposes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hawaiian Homes Commission was created to ensure that Native Hawaiians could access land for housing and agriculture after losing significant portions of their ancestral lands.
2. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act originally set aside approximately 200,000 acres of land for Native Hawaiians, with the intention of supporting their cultural and economic self-sufficiency.
3. The Commission manages various homesteading programs that include residential, agricultural, and pastoral leases specifically designated for Native Hawaiians.
4. Eligibility for the program requires individuals to be at least 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry, reflecting the intent of the act to benefit those most affected by historical injustices.
5. Over the years, the Hawaiian Homes Commission has faced challenges related to land availability, bureaucratic issues, and the growing demand from applicants for homestead lots.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Hawaiian Homes Commission aim to address the historical injustices faced by Native Hawaiians?
  • The Hawaiian Homes Commission was created to combat the historical injustices of land dispossession faced by Native Hawaiians. By providing access to homesteads through the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the commission sought to restore a sense of community and security for Native Hawaiians who had lost their ancestral lands. This initiative was intended not just as a means of housing but also as a way to foster cultural revitalization and economic self-sufficiency within Native Hawaiian communities.
• Evaluate the impact of the eligibility criteria for the Hawaiian Homes Commission program on its effectiveness in supporting Native Hawaiians.
  • The eligibility criteria for the Hawaiian Homes Commission program requires individuals to demonstrate at least 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry. This requirement aims to ensure that those most impacted by historical injustices benefit from the program. However, it has also led to debates about inclusivity and equity within the Native Hawaiian community. Some argue that this strict criterion limits access for individuals who may not meet the percentage requirement despite strong cultural ties, potentially leaving out many who need support.
• Assess the challenges faced by the Hawaiian Homes Commission in fulfilling its mission since its inception and their implications for Native Hawaiian communities.
  • Since its inception, the Hawaiian Homes Commission has encountered numerous challenges that hinder its mission. Issues such as limited land availability, bureaucratic hurdles, and increasing demand for homestead lots have impeded progress in providing housing and support for Native Hawaiians. These challenges have significant implications for Native Hawaiian communities, as they affect economic opportunities, cultural preservation, and overall quality of life. The ongoing struggle highlights the complexities involved in addressing historical grievances while ensuring adequate resources for present-day needs.

Related terms

Hawaiian Homes Commission Act: A federal law enacted in 1920 that set aside public lands in Hawaii for homesteading by Native Hawaiians, aiming to address their historical land loss.

Native Hawaiian: Individuals who are descendants of the original inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, and who possess a significant connection to Hawaiian culture and identity.

Homesteading: The process of acquiring land for settlement, typically through government programs that provide plots of land for residential or agricultural use.