Aloha mai kākou,
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is introducing an enhanced beneficiary engagement approach designed to deepen our strategic and advocacy efforts with the Hawaiian community and address concerns in a more timely and effective manner.
The new Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo Community Series is set to transform how OHA interacts in-person with beneficiaries by fostering ongoing dialogue and actionable responses to issues raised during its annual island Board of Trustee (BOT) meetings.
Historically, OHA has held annual BOT meetings on each of the main Hawaiian Islands, providing a platform for beneficiaries to voice their concerns and discuss matters of importance. These meetings, while valuable, occur only once a year on each island. As a result, many issues – whether they relate to OHA directly or involve federal, state, county, or private sector matters – often face delays in resolution due to the limited frequency of these gatherings.
To address this gap, the newly launched Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo series will take place in the fall and spring, offering a more regular and structured opportunity for community interaction. The series will be hosted by the island trustee, alongside an at-large trustee, and will feature subject matter experts from within OHA’s administration. This format aims to provide beneficiaries with updates on the organization’s progress addressing the concerns raised during the annual on-island BOT meetings.
The Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo series represents a strategic shift in how OHA engages with its beneficiaries. By meeting every two weeks to discuss and work on the issues surfaced at the island BOT meetings, OHA is enhancing its commitment to more frequent and meaningful interactions with the community. This approach is designed not only to address concerns more swiftly, but also to build stronger relationships between OHA and you, our beneficiaries, who we serve.
Each session of the Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo series will feature progress reports from trustees, administration, and special guests providing transparency and accountability on how concerns are being addressed. This ongoing dialogue aims to ensure that community feedback leads to tangible results, rather than being lost in the gaps between annual meetings.
The introduction of this series reflects OHA’s commitment to improving its service and responsiveness. By establishing a regular rhythm of communication and follow-up, OHA is setting a new standard for how it engages with the Hawaiian community. This proactive approach is expected to lead to more effective problem-solving and a greater sense of involvement with beneficiaries.
The Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo Community Series represents a significant advancement in OHA’s efforts to connect with and address the needs of the Hawaiian community. Through regular, focused sessions and consistent follow-up, OHA is working to ensure that community concerns are not only heard but acted upon, reflecting a renewed commitment to meaningful and active engagement. Please watch for notices on OHA’s social media, website and in Ka Wai Ola for our upcoming Mea ʻAi and Manaʻo Community Series dates and locations.
Me ka haʻahaʻa,
Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira
Ka Pouhana | Chief Executive Officer
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