The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act: An Historical Analysis

Abstract

On July 9, 1921, President Warren Harding signed America’s most unique piece of homestead legislation into law--the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Government leasing of agricultural lands to a specific ethnic group had no precedent in the American tradition of independent, free-holding farmers. However, the lack of precedent was justified by the noble purpose of the Act--the rejuvenation and rehabilitation of the dying race of Hawaiians through a return to the soil. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian homes program was handicapped from its beginning by the lack of clear objectives, arable lands, water, and sufficient funds. Indeed the short-comings of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act have overshadowed its accomplishments during the last half-century. This study is an historical analysis of the Hawaiian homes program. It reveals the inherent weaknesses in the Act by examining the conditions and compromises that preceded its passage by Congress. By tracing the problems and achievements of the Hawaiian Homes Commission throughout its history, this study also hopes to evaluate the direction and scope of the program.