STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE REGARDING KALI WATSON’S LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AT DHHL FOLLOWING DECISION NOT TO SEEK REAPPOINTMENT

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI – Statement from Senator Jarett Keohokalole (Senate District 24 – Kāneʻohe, Kailua), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.

“I am disappointed that Kali Watson will not be seeking reappointment as Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Kali has dedicated much of his life to helping Native Hawaiian families secure homes and build stronger communities.

Kali put shovels in the ground, and that is exactly what DHHL needed. Over the past four years, under his leadership, the department offered more than 5,300 leases, creating new opportunities for native Hawaiian families who have waited decades for a place to call home.

While his time leading DHHL is coming to an end, I know his commitment to the Hawaiian people will continue. I thank him for his years of service and the lasting contributions he has made to our communities.”