July 9, 1921: Hawaiian Homes Commission Act

Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Warren Harding on July 9, 1921 (42 Stat. 108), the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act is a government-sponsored homesteading program that provides for the rehabilitation of the native Hawaiian people.  The term, “native Hawaiian” is defined as individuals having at least 50 percent Hawaiian blood.

As explained by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:

Pursuant to provisions of the HHCA, the Department provides direct benefits to native Hawaiians in the form of 99-year homestead leases at an annual rental of $1. In 1990, the Legislature authorized the Department to extend leases for an aggregate term not to exceed 199 years (Act 305, Session Laws of Hawaii 1990; section 208, HHCA). Homestead leases are for residential, agricultural, or pastoral purposes. Aquacultural leases are also authorized, but none have been awarded to date. The intent of the homesteading program is to provide for economic self-sufficiency of native Hawaiians through the provision of land.

Photo courtesy of Department of Home Lands. Depicts Congressional visit in 1915. L to R: Rep. Carter Glass; Speaker of the House Holstein; Delegate Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole; Rep. Campbell of Kansas; and Mayor John C. Lane of Honolulu.

The law was spearheaded by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, who was sworn in to the 58th Congress on March 4, 1903.  Prince Kūhiō was a beloved and effective statesman, but was best known for his advocacy in convincing Congress to establish a rehabilitation program for native Hawaiians. Below is the first page from the Act:

Available in Kahn – Hawaiian Homes Commission Collection, Hawaiian Homes Commission Act 1920.