The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has appointed Summer Lee Haunani Sylva, Esq. as Chief of Staff for the OHA Board of Trustees. A highly respected attorney and Native Hawaiian advocate, Sylva brings a wealth of experience in governance, cultural stewardship, and advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights to this critical role.
Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele expressed his excitement about Sylva’s appointment, saying, “Summer is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Hawaiian community. Her dedication to justice and her expertise in policy and advocacy will strengthen OHA’s ability to fulfill its mission. I am confident she will serve as an invaluable partner to our board as we navigate this critical time for our lāhui.”
Sylva most recently served as a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of the Interior under then-Secretary Deb Haaland where she played a key role in advancing Indigenous rights and addressing issues critical to Native Hawaiians and other Indigenous peoples.
Prior to her tenure in Washington, D.C., she led the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation as executive director, spearheading efforts to protect Native Hawaiian rights and natural resources. Sylva is also the former president of the Native Hawaiian Bar Association.
OHA CEO Stacy Ferreira welcomed Sylva to her new position, saying, “Summer’s leadership and commitment to our lāhui are inspiring, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we work to advance our collective goals. Her ability to align strategy, policy, and action will undoubtedly enhance OHA’s efforts to protect and uplift the Native Hawaiian people.”
The appointment was also applauded by Haaland, who worked closely with Sylva during her time in Washington. “Summer Sylva was a powerful advocate for her community while we served together at the [U.S. Department of the] Interior. OHA will benefit from her skills and passion; her unwavering commitment to her land and people will have a lasting, positive impact on the Hawaiian community and all Indigenous peoples now and for the future,” Haaland said.
A graduate of ʻIolani High School with a juris doctorate in public law from Cornell University School of Law, Sylva has devoted her career to empowering Hawaiian communities and championing equity and cultural preservation.
As chief of staff, Sylva will oversee the operations of the OHA Board of Trustees, manage strategic initiatives, and work closely with the board, the CEO, and stakeholders to drive OHA’s mission to improve the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians.
“It is an honor to commit myself daily, as OHA has since 1978, to bettering the conditions of Native Hawaiians. OHA’s establishment and service through the decades have been informed and inspired by our lāhui’s collective social and cultural activism,” Sylva said.
“I am humbled to be working with OHA’s board and staff to carry forward the kuleana and legacy of advancing justice, promoting self-determination, and empowering our communities and organizations to thrive and grow next generation leaders who we hope will surpass us. I can think of few more meaningful or impactful missions to be a part of at this pivotal time.”
 has appointed Summer Lee Haunani Sylva, Esq. as Chief of Staff for the OHA Board of Trustees.){kind=link}