Governor Josh Green nominated Kali Watson to reprise his roles as Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and as Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

From 1995 to 1998, Watson coordinated the development of more than 3,100 residential lots on Hawaiian Home Lands, as well as legislative funding and approval of the $600 million settlement between the state and DHHL. The latter included the transfer of some 16,518 acres of state land, which made the DHHL trust whole. Under the federal Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act of 1995, Watson was instrumental in the transfer of more than 900 acres of federal lands into the trust.

In the intervening years, Watson established the nonprofit Hawaiian Community Development Board, which, with its partners, has built or refurbished more than 1,400 affordable homes for Hawai‘i’s people on O‘ahu and Maui.

In a press release Governor Green said,“Kali has a proven track record of housing Native Hawaiians, both as leader of DHHL and as head of his nonprofit,” said Gov. Green. “I am hopeful that state senators and our communities will be supportive of his nomination as we face a critical time in Hawai‘i. Kali has the track record to provide stewardship for the $600 million DHHL appropriation.”

Watson’s nomination requires advice and consent of the Hawai‘i State Senate as does the nomination of Deputy Katie Ducatt. By law, Ikaika Anderson, whom the Governor appointed prior to the 2023 Legislative Session, will remain in the seat until Watson is confirmed and sworn in, or at the end of the current Legislative Session, whichever comes first.

Photo credit: DHHL