Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1921

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Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole
 
​Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole was concerned about the status of Native Hawaiians which was negatively impacted by events that included the obliteration of  the its population from western diseases; the dismantling of the land system resulting in many Native Hawaiians without land, livelihood and homes; western laws that allowed non-Hawaiians to acquire land owned by Native Hawaiians;  blatant discrimination; and the 1893 illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

In an effort to address the indignities and devastation faced by Native Hawaiians, Prince Kūhiō, in his capacity as a U. S. Congressman, passed federal legislation that created the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1921. HCCA set aside lands for Native Hawaiians. We are grateful for Prince Kūhiō's commitment to his Native Hawaiian community. 

Upon Statehood in 1959, the State of Hawaiʻi entered into a pact with the United States to assume the management of HHCA.  The state's management of HCCA has been subject to the politics of each Hawai'i Governor and disregarded by the State Legislature.  As a result, the trust lands have been used to serve the state and its interests, instead of the HCCA native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

KPFA has led and partnered on initiatives to protect, challenge the misuse and illegal transfer of our trust lands,  and  to effectuate positive change for our beneficiaries.