2026 Trustee At-Large Candidate
- Age – 67
- Occupation – Mortgage Banker/Kumu Hula
- Where did you grow up – Nānākuli, Oʻahu
- Schooling – Kamehameha; USC; UH Mānoa
- Current residence – Pauoa, O‘ahu
- Website – karlvetobaker.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.
- With 38 years of experience as a mortgage banker, I possess deep insight into budgets, tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. This financial expertise will allow me to make sound decisions that support the financial wellbeing of our people. Additionally, an extensive management background has equipped me to guide others toward excellence, always striving for the wēkiu. Furthermore, my 30 years as a kumu hula ensures that my decision-making is rooted in my naʻau and the traditions of my kūpuna.
- The role of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee is to help develop and support policies, programs, and initiatives that improve the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians and the broader Hawaiian community. Key areas of responsibility include advocating for affordable housing opportunities, expanding access to higher education and vocational training, promoting workforce development, and supporting access to quality healthcare. Trustees are entrusted with ensuring that OHA’s resources are managed in ways that strengthen the social, economic, educational, and cultural wellbeing of current and future generations.
- Regarding the Public Land Trust, by law, 20% of these crown lands should benefit the Hawaiian people. As OHA is entitled to one-fifth of these funds, the organization must have a seat at the table to negotiate in the best interest of our community. Many of these lands are currently leased by the military at inappropriately low rates and should be renegotiated to market value. I also firmly believe that there should be no live explosives on any land in Hawaiʻi.
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?
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?
< Back to Candidates
