HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0232.005 2024-2026 P/FG
C� lft GOMM.22.
May 1, 2025 2075 MY -2 A $: s.
He Mele komo a he mele aloha no na kupuna o ke au i hala Aloha mai kakou.
Aloha,
My name is Cindy Freitas and I'm a Native Hawaiian descended of the native inhabitants of Hawai'i
prior to 1778 and born and raised in Hawai'i.
I am also a practitioner who still practice the cultural traditional customary practices that was instill in
me by my grandparents at a young age from mauka(MOUNTAIN TO SEA)to makai in many areas.
I'm a beneficiary of the Hawaiian Homes commission Act. I'm in Strong support of Bill 44,
which proposes to exempt the value of buildings on Hawaiian Home Lands from property taxes and to
repeal references to outdated state laws.
This measure is long overdue and deeply necessary.
The purpose of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was to provide homesteads to Native Hawaiians
to rehabilitate and restore our people to the land. However, over time, County-level tax structures have
placed an additional burden on Hawaiian Homes lessees, despite the original federal and state intent to
make homeownership on these lands attainable and secure.
Requiring lessees to pay property taxes on structures they build on land they do not own in fee
undermines the very purpose of the Act. It creates financial barriers, especially for kupuna on fixed
incomes and families working hard to stay housed and rooted in their ancestral lands.
Bill 44 reflects a more just and culturally grounded approach. It honors the spirit of the Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act and acknowledges the unique legal and historical status of these lands.
Removing property tax obligations on buildings will provide real relief to beneficiaries who are often
already navigating complex systems just to hold onto their homes.
I also commend the effort to clean up the County Code by repealing references to outdated State law. It
ensures clarity and consistency going forward.
Mahalo for considering this bill and for your continued efforts to support the lahui and the rights of
Native Hawaiians under law.
Please pass Bill 44 without delay.
Mahalo
Cindy Freitas
Native Hawaiian Beneficiary
Hawai`i Island Resident
Comm. boo. 1. S
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