Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Aloha mai kākou,
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees plays a vital role in safeguarding the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund and advancing the interests of Native Hawaiians. Yet, our trustees have not received a pay adjustment since 2018, due to the failure of then-Gov. David Ige to convene the statutorily mandated OHA Salary Commission. This has left trustees under-compensated compared to their elected counterparts in the legislature and county councils.
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) §10-9.5 establishes the OHA Salary Commission, which is tasked with reviewing and recommending trustee salaries every four years. The commission comprises seven members, nominated by Native Hawaiian organizations and appointed by the governor, who serve without pay. After a six-year delay, Gov. Josh Green appointed members to the commission in October 2024. The commission convened on Dec. 4, 2024, to begin its critical review.
The trustees’ fiduciary kuleana is significant. They manage trust resources intended to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians while navigating systemic inequities and complex governance challenges. Without competitive compensation, the board risks losing skilled and committed leaders, undermining its ability to serve effectively.
The upcoming salary report, expected in early February 2025, offers an opportunity to correct this disparity. Aligning trustee compensation with that of other elected officials will honor their kuleana, support equitable governance, and reflect the importance of their service to the Native Hawaiian people. Pay parity is not just fair – it’s necessary for the future of OHA.
Me ka haʻahaʻa,
Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira
Ka Pouhana | Chief Executive Officer