Gabbard/Takai-Backed Legislation Reauthorizing Native Hawaiian Housing Assistance Passes House
Washington, D.C. – March 24, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) issued the following statement in regards to the House of Representatives’ passage of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act (NAHASDA) of 2015:
“Since its enactment, this legislation has strengthened indigenous self-determination by empowering Native people by addressing affordable housing needs. In my home state of Hawaii, it has increased homeownership among Native Hawaiians, bringing hope to many people who are living paycheck to paycheck. This legislation makes a real difference in lives of families like the Pa’aluhi family from Nanakuli. It is an important step toward removing roadblocks to economic success, not only in Hawaii but in Native communities across the country.”
“I am extremely pleased that Congress passed the NAHASDA Reauthorization. This crucial piece of legislation reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the Native peoples of our country. NAHASDA not only helps with providing funding for housing programs, but also provides vital resources to foster the indigenous cultures of our great nation. Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, so support through NAHASDA is essential for Native Hawaii families who wish to remain on their ancestral lands. I would like to extend a warm mahalo to my colleagues in the House, especially Rep. Don Young (AK), Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02), and Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) who fought to reauthorize NAHASDA and recognize its vital importance in regards to fostering the indigenous cultures of America.”
NAHASDA was first established in 1996 with the consolidation of several separate assistance programs, provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, into a single block grant program. In 2000, NAHASDA was amended to add Title VIII – Housing Assistance for Native Hawaiians. The amendment adds similar programs for Native Hawaiians who reside on Hawaiian Home Lands to the NAHASDA legislation.
The House of Representatives passed NAHASDA with a vote of 297-98.
