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Although, as discussed elsewhere in the report, the complete validity of the eligibility lists is questionable, it is the only available means of determining the number of native Hawaiians who wish to be but have not been placed on the lands. Using an average family size of five to six members per family would mean that as many as 43,000 people are waiting to be placed on the land, recognizing, however, that not all family members meet the criteria necessary for classification as native Hawaiians. There is apparently no accurate data on the number of native Hawaiians who could be beneficiaries under the Act. There was an attempt in 1980 to identify the number of native Hawaiians by using data available in the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Research and Statistics Office. However, because of the methods used, the result which totaled 45,827 native Hawaiians is considered to be low.
Housing Program
The housing homestead program accomplishments under the Act are, in part, restricted by the availability of funds. The major emphasis under the program is the subdivision concept under which single family residences are built on all islands, with lots ranging from about 7,500 square feet on the island of Oahu to one acre on the island of Molokai. Under this concept and the Act, DHHL contracts and pays, at an estimated cost of $30,000 per lot, for design and development of the subdivision which includes streets, curbs, sidewalks, drainage, street lights, utility access, sewer or cesspool systems, and other facilities. In addition, DHHL provides or arranges the financing, currently estimated at $40,000 per home, at favorable interest rates, for the construction of the homes because the applicants are normally unable to obtain conventional financing. For example, the financing for the 230 homes to be constructed on the island of Oahu during 1982 will be from two sources with interest rates ranging from 8 3/4 percent to 13 percent. The United States Farmers Home Loan Administration will provide $1.6 million for 40 loans and the State of Hawaii will provide $7.7 million for 190 loans.
Also, as part of the housing program, DHHL uses its available funds to maintain a home repair loan fund, again because of the homesteader's inability to obtain conventional financing.
It is for note that at the time of our audit DHHL was in the process of screening and selecting 230 applicants for awards of new residential lots and homes on the island of Oahu. In this instance, DHHL is initiating a new approach by building seven model homes so that the applicants can select the model best meeting their needs. DHHL has tentatively scheduled the development of 710 additional residential lots by 1987.
Farm and Ranch Homesteading Program
The farm and ranch homesteading program, which under the Act was intended to encourage native Hawaiians to take up farming and ranching as a means to achieve social and economic well-being has not yet been very successful. While there are some successful farmers, over 60 percent of the farm tracts are not in full cultivation, including 42 percent that are not under any cultivation. Also, it is estimated that at least 34 percent of the homestead ranch acres
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