Prince Kūhiō Gateway reflects Kūhiō’s intent: economic strength, restored ʻāina, and a thriving lāhui.

T h e F A C T S

MYTH: “This project was influenced because Patti has worked in housing alongside DHHL leadership.”

FACT: Hawaiʻi’s housing field is small, and many professionals — Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike — have worked together over the years.
Professional familiarity is common and does not determine project outcomes.

All decisions about Gateway are made only by the full DHHL Commission in public meetings.
No single person — including the Chair or Director — has the authority to approve, advance, or deny this or any other project.

This ensures transparency and protects beneficiary interests.

MYTH: “The developer is profiting off DHHL.”

FACT: The developer does not receive money from DHHL.
It pays DHHL:

• Ground lease rent
• 50% of net commercial profits
• Revenue share to homestead associations

At the end of the lease, the entire 22.7-acre property is gifted to DHHL.

Setting the Record Straight

Clear facts matter.
Here is the truth about the Prince Kūhiō Gateway.

Early Native Hawaiian Homesteaders.

MYTH: “The land is contaminated and unsafe.”

FACT: Environmental review is mandatory and includes
The property undergoes:

  • Phase I review

  • Phase II testing

  • Soil and groundwater sampling

  • DOH + EPA oversight

  • Full cleanup at developer’s expense

All remediation is fully documented and must meet DOH standards before proceeding.
The project cannot begin until DOH issues clearance..

MYTH: “DHHL shouldn’t do commercial projects — it should only build homes.”

FACT: Housing requires infrastructure, and infrastructure requires revenue.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was created not only to distribute land, but to rebuild the lāhui — which includes economic foundations strong enough to sustain housing and community wellbeing.

The Gateway is an income-generating project donation, not a diversion:

  • DHHL gains revenue

  • DHHL gains future land

  • Beneficiaries gain opportunity

  • Homesteads receive direct benefit

This strengthens DHHL’s ability to build more homes — faster and with greater independence.

MYTH: “This benefits only a few.”

FACT: Benefits include:
• DHHL revenue
• Homestead association revenue
• Jobs
• Entrepreneur support
• Kūpuna housing
• Business incubation
• Youth internships
• Long-term land expansion

MYTH: “The developer keeps the land.”

FACT: At the end of the lease:
The entire 22.7 acres is gifted to DHHL at no cost.