Section 10-3-3.1 - Application processing(a) Applications are processed in multiple stages, each with a different purpose and effect, as follows:(1) Receipt. Applications shall be date and time stamped upon receipt by the department. This first date and time stamp shall be used only to certify receipt by the department. An applicant may submit an application by any method acceptable as provided by the instructions on the application form.(2) Completion. An application is complete when the application form has been filled in, signed by the applicant and notarized as required, and, following initial review by the department, it appears as though sufficient documentation has been provided to substantiate that the applicant meets or does not meet the Hawaiian home lands program qualifications. A complete application shall be date and time stamped a second time. This second date and time stamp shall be used to determine order on the waiting list should the application ultimately be accepted. An incomplete application shall be returned to the applicant with instructions necessary to complete the application properly.(3) Acceptance. Upon completion, the department shall review and investigate an application to verify documentation and determine whether the applicant is qualified. The determination shall be based upon the application form and birth certificates, as well as any secondary documents, and additional documentation as may be submitted to the department for verification and qualification. If the department determines, based upon the application form and documentation provided, that the applicant is qualified, the application shall be accepted and signed by an authorized department representative. An accepted application shall be assigned a numerical designation and filed in order of completion, as determined by the second date and time stamp. The department shall notify the applicant in writing of the acceptance and provide the applicant with a copy of the accepted application. If the department determines that there is reasonable uncertainty regarding an application, the department shall request additional documentation in writing. The department shall, within thirty business days after the application is deemed complete, make an acceptance determination or give notice to the applicant of an extended determination date of thirty business days and the reason or reasons therefor. Failure to render a decision within a thirty day period, as may be extended, shall not result in automatic determination or acceptance by the department.(b) The department shall maintain written communication with the applicant regarding the status of the application and any time extensions.(c) An applicant who disagrees with the determination by the department shall have thirty business days from the postmark or e-mail time stamp on the written notice of the determination within which to contest the determination.[Eff 3/31/2017] (Auth: HHC Act §222) (Imp: HHC Act §207)