DHHL training program credited with increasing beneficiary representation on water boards

An agency official for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands described a DHHL-led water law and leadership training created in response to beneficiary calls for greater representation after a 2022 Hawaii County Council charter amendment proposal prompted public testimony. The training, named Imana Ika Wai Kukulu Kahuvai, was created in collaboration with the William S. Richardson School of Law's Kahuliao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law.

The presenter said seven cohorts have completed the training and credited it with increased advocacy and representation by beneficiaries. As an example, the presenter said "Juanita is now serving on that board" and noted that of the 55 people who have served on the water commission since its creation in 1987, she is the 16th woman and the first person from Molokai to serve.

The presenter announced the next training cohort will take place in October and encouraged beneficiaries to "keep an ear out for our next upcoming water law trainings." No application or registration details were provided in the presentation; DHHL indicated the program is ongoing and intended to build beneficiary capacity to serve on water-related boards and commissions.