Hawaii lawmakers to scrutinize state spending on homeless housing program

Oct 13, 2026

Hawaii's tiny-home program for the homeless is under investigation after an audit found millions in taxpayer money was mishandled — bad news for the governor's office and the contractor involved.

  • A state audit found more than $13 million was mismanaged in Governor Josh Green's Kauhale program to build tiny-home villages fast.
  • Lawmakers are holding a briefing next month to find out how the money was spent and why controls failed.
  • Questions focus on the main contractor, including why it got a no-bid deal and why it ran TV commercials with public money.
  • Legislators say the state's homelessness office failed to demand receipts or check that taxpayers got what they paid for.
  • The governor's office says the concerns are being addressed and points to the program's successes.

Outlook: Expect tighter spending rules and oversight on the program, with the November briefing setting the tone for reforms.

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