A Fresh Direction for DHHL: Reconsider Kali Watson’s Reappointment
The Issue
Governor Green is asking Kānaka maoli to accept another term of Kali Watson’s leadership despite a documented Sunshine Law violation, continuing controversy over major DHHL decisions, geothermal exploration opposed by Native Hawaiian voices, and a waitlist that remains enormous.
Why another term rather than new leadership and a different approach?
Transparency. In January 2026, the Hawaiʻi Office of Information Practices concluded that Watson and two commissioners violated the state Sunshine Law by continuing to discuss the Courtyards at Waipouli during a commission meeting recess. OIP also concluded that Watson violated the law when he later texted another commissioner seeking support for the action.
Beneficiary Voice and Waipouli. DHHL acquired the 82-unit Courtyards at Waipouli property as part of a rent with an option to purchase strategy for eligible beneficiaries. The project has drawn criticism over demand, consultation, relocation of existing tenants, and whether the resources committed reflect beneficiary priorities.
Stewardship of ʻāina. Under Watson, DHHL has supported legislation and funding for the investigation, exploration, and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaiian Home Lands, including earlier proposals for surveys and slim hole drilling. Those efforts have also generated opposition from Native Hawaiian individuals and community groups raising cultural, environmental, health, and consultation concerns.
Results. In 2022, the Legislature provided DHHL with a historic $600 million appropriation intended to expand homestead opportunities. Yet DHHL reported approximately 29,587 individual applicants statewide as of February 1, 2026. The waitlist's scale remains a defining measure of the challenge.
DHHL does not need another cycle of the same leadership and the same controversies. It needs a fresh perspective, stronger accountability, meaningful beneficiary participation, and leadership focused first on fulfilling the promise of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
Please sign this petition and tell Governor Green it is time for a fresh start at DHHL. Governor Green still has the opportunity to choose a different path. We are calling on him to rescind Kali Watson’s reappointment and begin a transparent search for new leadership that will put beneficiaries, ʻāina, and kuleana first.
E kū kākou.
47
The Issue
Governor Green is asking Kānaka maoli to accept another term of Kali Watson’s leadership despite a documented Sunshine Law violation, continuing controversy over major DHHL decisions, geothermal exploration opposed by Native Hawaiian voices, and a waitlist that remains enormous.
Why another term rather than new leadership and a different approach?
Transparency. In January 2026, the Hawaiʻi Office of Information Practices concluded that Watson and two commissioners violated the state Sunshine Law by continuing to discuss the Courtyards at Waipouli during a commission meeting recess. OIP also concluded that Watson violated the law when he later texted another commissioner seeking support for the action.
Beneficiary Voice and Waipouli. DHHL acquired the 82-unit Courtyards at Waipouli property as part of a rent with an option to purchase strategy for eligible beneficiaries. The project has drawn criticism over demand, consultation, relocation of existing tenants, and whether the resources committed reflect beneficiary priorities.
Stewardship of ʻāina. Under Watson, DHHL has supported legislation and funding for the investigation, exploration, and identification of geothermal resources on Hawaiian Home Lands, including earlier proposals for surveys and slim hole drilling. Those efforts have also generated opposition from Native Hawaiian individuals and community groups raising cultural, environmental, health, and consultation concerns.
Results. In 2022, the Legislature provided DHHL with a historic $600 million appropriation intended to expand homestead opportunities. Yet DHHL reported approximately 29,587 individual applicants statewide as of February 1, 2026. The waitlist's scale remains a defining measure of the challenge.
DHHL does not need another cycle of the same leadership and the same controversies. It needs a fresh perspective, stronger accountability, meaningful beneficiary participation, and leadership focused first on fulfilling the promise of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
Please sign this petition and tell Governor Green it is time for a fresh start at DHHL. Governor Green still has the opportunity to choose a different path. We are calling on him to rescind Kali Watson’s reappointment and begin a transparent search for new leadership that will put beneficiaries, ʻāina, and kuleana first.
E kū kākou.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on October 2, 2026