Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey

By
Ka Wai Ola Staff
-
173

2026 Maui Trustee Candidate
Photo: Csrmen Hulu Lindsey

  • Age – n/a
  • Occupation – OHA Maui Trustee since 2012; Owner of Lindsey Realty since 1973.
  • Where did you grow up – Born in Kohala; raised in Keaukaha; lived for a time on Oʻahu.
  • Schooling – Farrington High School and Cannon’s School of Business
  • Current residence – Waiohuli, Kula, Maui
  • Website – hululindsey.com

Write-in Responses

Question 1Question 2Question 3
OHA’s mission is to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians. What unique skills and/or experiences do you bring to this kuleana to help OHA fulfill its mission?
What is your understanding of the role of an OHA trustee and their kuleana within the agency and to the lāhui?
Share your manaʻo on the military’s use of crown and government lands in Hawaiʻi given the impending expiration of multiple military land leases and the fact that OHA derives an annual pro rata revenue share from the military’s use of those lands.
  1. Throughout my service, I have worked to protect and grow OHA’s trust resources while ensuring those resources are directed toward improving conditions for Native Hawaiians. My professional experience as a businesswoman and real estate broker has strengthened my understanding of land stewardship, asset management, and long-term planning.
    Most importantly, I remain grounded in the voices of beneficiaries. I believe trustees must listen, engage, and remain accountable to the lāhui. My goal has always been to ensure OHA fulfills its responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to future generations.
  2. Our kuleana extends beyond OHA itself. Trustees have a responsibility to advocate for Native Hawaiian rights, protect trust resources, preserve culture and traditions, and help improve educational, economic, housing, and health outcomes for beneficiaries.
    Trustees must make decisions that balance present needs with the interests of future generations. Every decision should be guided by OHA’s mission, fiduciary responsibility, and commitment to the lāhui we serve.
  3. The expiration of military leases presents an important opportunity for meaningful discussions about the future of these lands. Crown and government lands carry deep cultural, historical, and trust significance for Native Hawaiians. Decisions regarding their future should include meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians and careful consideration of cultural, environmental, and community impacts.
    It is important to clarify that OHA does not receive a pro-rata share of revenues generated from the military’s use of these trust lands. For decades, the military has occupied certain crown and government lands under leases that have provided the state with only nominal compensation – reportedly just $1 for approximately 65 years. This longstanding arrangement raises important questions about fairness, accountability, and the state’s obligations regarding the Public Land Trust.

    As these leases approach expiration, we have an opportunity to reevaluate how these lands are managed and whether their use continues to serve the best interests of Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiians. Financial considerations are only one part of the discussion. Stewardship, access, environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and the long-term interests of beneficiaries must also be central to any decision-making process.
    I support a transparent and balanced process that ensures Native Hawaiian voices are heard, trust obligations are honored, and future generations benefit from responsible stewardship of these lands.

Yes/No Questions

Question 1Question 2Question 3Question 4Question 5
Do you support mandatory federal consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on all federal actions and processes concerning Native Hawaiian affairs?
In light of major cuts to Native Hawaiian-serving programs and OHA’s finite trust resources, do you believe OHA should play a role in helping address resulting Native Hawaiian community impacts through advocacy, partnerships, or other mitigation strategies?
Should telescope/observatory development on Maunakea and Haleakalā be stopped at least until mismanagement and legal claims to summit lands have been resolved?
In its role as an asset manager, OHA currently utilizes funds to purchase land with particular cultural, historical or ecological importance for their protection and preservation as needed.
Do you believe OHA should continue investing in these legacy land acquisitions when it determines those investments meaningfully advance its fiduciary obligations and long-term benefits to Native Hawaiian communities, even alongside other pressing beneficiary needs?
Should the U.S. military be prevented from live-fire training in Hawaiʻi – both on land and in the surrounding ocean? Do you believe OHA should actively challenge or seek changes to military training activities in Hawaiʻi when those activities are perceived to negatively impact Native Hawaiian trust interests, cultural resources, environmental health, or access to culturally significant lands and waters?
Q1: Yes Q2: Yes Q3: YesQ4: Yes Q5: Yes

 

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