From State to Stewardship: Reclaiming Land, Reclaiming Identity

By Parker Kamealoha Spencer

The transfer of lands from the state and county governments to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) represents more than just a shift in legal ownership – it marks a pivotal step toward restoring justice, equity, and self-determination for Native Hawaiians.

For generations, the loss of ancestral lands has contributed to the erosion of cultural identity, economic opportunity, and the wellbeing of both kānaka and ʻāina. Reclaiming these lands through OHA, a constitutionally established entity representing Native Hawaiian interests, offers a path to healing and empowerment.

This work aligns with OHA’s Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan, which affirms that wellbeing for Native Hawaiians is grounded in the health of ʻāina, ʻŌiwi leadership, and the ability of our communities to determine their futures.

Land stewardship contributes directly to our strategic outcomes – restoring not only access to resources but the conditions of ea, or self-determination practices of our people.

ʻĀina is foundational to Native Hawaiian culture and identity. It is not a commodity but as a living entity, a source of life and spiritual connection. The dispossession that began with the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 severed many Native Hawaiians from this connection, resulting in cultural disconnection and systemic disparities.

In transferring land to OHA, the state and counties acknowledge the historical injustices and begin to fulfill their responsibility to reconcile past wrongs. Our lands can serve as foundations for Native Hawaiians to rebuild sustainable communities rooted in traditional practices.

Agricultural projects, fishpond restoration, and renewable energy development on OHA-managed lands would provide an opportunity to promote food sovereignty and environmental stewardship while generating economic opportunities – not only to create jobs but also to reinforce cultural values and ecological knowledge that have sustained kānaka for centuries.

With more land, OHA has more opportunities to pursue housing projects to meet the needs of Hawaiian families, stabilize communities, and help Native Hawaiian families thrive in safe, rooted environments where cultural practices can be passed down.

Land ownership also gives OHA greater political leverage to influence decision-making for ‘āina and resources.

Whether asserting more influence in government decisions, managing education and healthcare services, or advancing the vision of nation-building, greater autonomy allows us to better determine our future; it means allowing Native Hawaiians to define and pursue our path forward on our terms.

Land transfers also set legal and moral precedents, acknowledge the unique legal and historical status of Native Hawaiians, and affirm the state’s obligation to honor its public trust obligations to Native Hawaiians, holding the state accountable to set right and fulfill its responsibilities, consistent with governmental action across America to address injustices against Indigenous peoples.

In essence, transferring ʻāina to OHA isn’t merely about land acquisition – it’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and power to a people who have long been denied these fundamental rights. It is a tangible expression of commitment to Native Hawaiian self-determination and a critical step toward a more just and equitable Hawaiʻi for all.

Parker Kamealoha Spencer serves as ka pōhaku niho mauli ola (strategy consultant) for Strategy & Implementation – ʻĀina Momona & ʻŌiwi Wellbeing for OHA, where he supports and leads efforts in systems change grounded in ea and aloha ʻāina.