Kali Watson

Kali Watson is an attorney who previously served as the director of DHHL and chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 1995 to 1998. During his previous service as DHHL director, he successfully lobbied for $600 million in funding and developed a record 3,100 new homestead lots in four years. He also established many partnerships and utilized various strategies to accelerate the development of homes and increase revenues.

He has served as legal counsel for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and was the president and CEO of Quality Homes of the Pacific, that developed housing on Hawaiian Homestead and private lands. He has extensive experience as a project director for various home projects that have benefitted families in numerous communities from Nānākuli to Waimānalo. Most recently he established a nonprofit corporation focused on developing housing projects, multi-service centers and small commercial/community centers in Hawaiian communities. His previous time in the position and many years of experience in the housing industry has well-prepared him to again serve as director of DHHL.