Introduction: What this initiative means for people, place, and possibility
We are guiding a transformative effort on the East Hawaii coast focused on native land stewardship, cultural restoration, and community-led governance. By aligning land tenure, environmental stewardship, and local leadership, this work aims to deliver affordable homes, sustain cultural practices, and create durable pathways to homeownership rooted in aloha and accountability. With a commitment to residents, elders, and youth, the project envisions land as a resource and a responsibility—supporting families, renewing communities, and strengthening resilience.
A brief history of King’s Landing and its role in Hilo
The site now known as King’s Landing has long held cultural and historical significance for local communities. It sits at a crossroads of shoreline, uplands, and fishing resources, making it a focal point for land use, family lineage, and traditional knowledge. In recent years, planners and residents have explored how this location can support sustainable housing while honoring connections to the ʻāina (land) and kai (ocean).
Legal framework empowering Native Hawaiian homesteads, ʻāina restoration, and self-determination
The framework draws on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) program authorities to prioritize Native Hawaiian homelands, restoration of land and waters, and self-governance. Provisions for homesteading, cultural resource protection, and community decision-making are designed to empower families to steward the place while participating in broader planning processes. This approach seeks to balance housing needs with cultural vitality and environmental integrity.
Glossary: kauhale, ʻāina, and sovereignty in plain terms
To keep discussions accessible, we explain key terms in plain language: a kauhale is a traditional extended-family compound that serves as an organizing hub; ʻāina refers to the land and its resources, treated with reverence and responsibility; sovereignty denotes the authority of a community to govern its own affairs with cultural and legal legitimacy.
Foundations you should know: land rights, culture, and the environment
Historical context of land in East Hawaii and the King’s Landing site
East Hawaii carries deep histories of land use, tenant farming, and resource stewardship. Understanding this history helps shape policies that honor water rights, subsistence practices, and long-standing cultural ties to the landscape.
How the rights framework translates into today’s planning
Today’s planning embeds Native Hawaiian land rights, environmental safeguards, and community input into every phase—from site design to leasing decisions. That means transparent processes, opportunities for local voices to lead, and measures that protect cultural resources and ecosystems.
Why these concepts matter for long-term community resilience
Grounding housing in cultural values and land stewardship builds resilience. Homes, gardens, and communal spaces align with traditional practices while meeting modern safety, accessibility, and climate adaptation standards.
Project snapshot: DHHL plan, environmental assessment, and timelines
The 78-homestead vision: who benefits and how
The DHHL plan envisions 78 eligible homesteads for local families, prioritizing those with strong community ties. The goal is affordable, durable housing that supports subsistence living, cultural activities, and a sense of belonging—without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Environmental safeguards and community input processes
Environmental reviews, cultural resource protections, and ongoing community consultations are integral. Public meetings, impact assessments, and adaptive management strategies ensure safeguards while incorporating citizen feedback.
Key milestones and expected timeline from now to leasing
Milestones include finalizing the DHHL plan, completing environmental studies, securing necessary approvals, beginning construction, and initiating leasing. Timelines are developed with community input and subject to regulatory reviews to ensure responsible progress.
Benefits at a glance: housing, culture, and sustainable living
Affordable housing aligned with Native Hawaiian values
Residents gain access to homes designed for family-centered living, local employment opportunities, and maintenance practices that reflect cultural norms and sustainable building methods.
Reconnecting families with ʻāina and ocean resources
Programs support hillside and coastal land stewardship, traditional fishing, and gardening routines, reinforcing intergenerational knowledge transfer and food security.
Strengthening local governance and community safety nets
Structured participation in planning and governance builds trust, improves service delivery, and expands mutual aid networks within kauhale-style communities.
Step-by-step roadmap: from planning to leasing
Phase 1: Engagement, planning, and design with residents
We’ll facilitate inclusive workshops with families, elders, and youth to shape site plans, housing types, and shared facilities in alignment with cultural practices and safety standards.
Phase 2: Approvals, impact studies, and environmental review
Environmental, cultural, and infrastructure assessments are conducted with public input to inform permitting and mitigation measures before construction begins.
Phase 3: Construction, infrastructure, and homestead setup
Infrastructure—roads, utilities, drainage, and community spaces—will be implemented alongside homes and shared facilities in a staged approach to minimize disruption.
Phase 4: Leasing, long-term stewardship, and renewal
Leasing processes prioritize qualified residents, with clear stewardship obligations and pathways for renewal as needs evolve and the community grows.
Advanced perspectives: governance, sovereignty, and sustainable living
Exploring self-governance and ʻohana sovereignty in everyday life
We explore models where families participate in shared governance, aligning daily decisions with cultural practices, transparency, and accountability.
The kauhale model: building strong, safe, and autonomous communities
A kauhale-centered approach emphasizes mutual aid, security, and cooperative management of resources, fostering resilient social networks.
Integrating subsistence practices and traditional knowledge
Traditional knowledge informs land management, water use, and food systems, ensuring ongoing stewardship and cultural continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a King’s Landing homestead?
Eligibility prioritizes local residents with strong ties to the community, demonstrated housing need, and willingness to engage in shared governance and stewardship efforts.
What protections exist for the environment and cultural resources?
Protective measures cover habitat conservation, water quality, cultural sites, and ongoing consultation with elders and cultural practitioners.
How long are leases, and how are they renewed?
Leases are designed for long-term stability with renewal options that account for family growth, changes in needs, and sustainable management commitments.
How can residents participate in planning and governance?
Residents contribute through public meetings, advisory bodies, and kauhale-based councils that feed into project decisions and operating rules.
Get involved and stay informed
Ways to engage: public meetings, alerts, and community groups
Join regularly scheduled sessions, subscribe to updates, and engage with neighborhood groups to stay informed and voice priorities.
How to follow updates about the 78-homestead project
We publish project newsletters, post meeting materials online, and host Q&A sessions to ensure transparent communication and timely responses to community questions.
Conclusion: The road ahead for King’s Landing, Hilo
As we move forward, the focus remains on blending Native Hawaiian land principles with practical housing, environmental stewardship, and robust local governance. This integrated approach offers a clear pathway to place-based renewal—supporting families, sustaining culture, and strengthening the community for generations to come. To stay informed or participate, attend upcoming public meetings, sign up for updates, and consider joining kauhale efforts or partner organizations dedicated to responsible stewardship and transparent oversight.