The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded approximately 2,600 homesteads in 2025, a dramatic increase from 84 awards in the previous year, despite maintaining a wait list of more than 29,000 beneficiaries. DHHL director Kali Watson explains why.

This podcast is part of HNN’s Priced Out of Paradise series that delves into the exodus of Hawaii families to the continent and ongoing efforts to keep them in the islands.