Watson Won't Seek Reappointment at Hawaiian Home Lands

Kali Watson will step down as director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands when his term ends on December 31, 2026.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in People

Watson Won't Seek Reappointment at Hawaiian Home Lands

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Kali Watson will not seek reappointment at the end of 2026 as director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, state officials announced. His resignation letter gives no reason for stepping down, and his last day in the role will be December 31, 2026.

Why it matters

Watson, appointed by Gov. Josh Green in 2023, oversaw the development of thousands of homes and the implementation of a $600 million state settlement with the department. His departure opens a leadership transition at an agency that holds special development powers, including exemptions from zoning restrictions granted by Congress, for Hawaii residents waiting on home lands.

Watson oversaw implementation of a $600 million state settlement with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands during his tenure. The announcement does not specify a replacement or the terms of any successor's appointment.

The players

Kali Watson

Kali Watson is a Hawaii public official who previously chaired the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 1995 to 1998 and was appointed director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in 2023.

Josh Green

Josh Green is the governor of Hawaii, who appointed Watson in 2023 and announced plans in July to reappoint him as commission chair.

The details

State officials announced that Watson will not seek reappointment at the end of 2026 as director of the department and chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Watson previously chaired the commission from 1995 to 1998 under Gov. Ben Cayetano, and in July Green had announced plans to reappoint him as chair.

July 2026: Gov. Josh Green announced he would reappoint Kali Watson as chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.
December 31, 2026: Watson's last day as director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Business Landscape

Watson's exit comes as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands operates under special development powers granted by Congress that exempt it from zoning restrictions. The department's partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to develop Kakaʻako Makai, land where the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has long been blocked from lifting a residential development ban, is among the projects his successor will inherit.

Hawaii residents waiting for homes through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will see a new director take over the agency's housing development work after December 31, 2026. The agency's zoning exemptions and ongoing projects, including the Kakaʻako Makai development, will continue under new leadership.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at agencies with special development powers can shape which housing projects move forward, so watching who replaces Watson will indicate the direction of the department's work.

What happens next

Watson's last day as director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is December 31, 2026, when the agency will need a new director and commission chair.