OHA Trustees
Messages from OHA Trustees
Dan Ahuna
Kauaʻi and Niʻihau TrusteeDan Ahuna has represented the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau as an OHA trustee since November 2012. Trustee Messages
Kalei Akaka
Oʻahu TrusteeKalei Akaka was elected to represent the island of Oʻahu as an OHA trustee in 2018. Trustee Messages
Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D.
At-Large TrusteeKeli‘i Akina, Ph.D. was elected OHA Trustee-at-Large in 2016. As a public policy leader in Hawaiʻi, Akina has pursued the advancement of the Hawaiian people while encouraging all citizens to work together for a better economy, government and society. Trustee Messages
Luana Alapa
Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi TrusteeLuana Alapa was elected OHA Molokaʻi-Lānaʻi Trustee in 2020. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and UH Mānoa earning a BA in Psychology and pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling. Trustee Messages
Brickwood Galuteria
At-Large TrusteeBrickwood Galuteria was elected OHA Trustee-At-Large in 2022. Trustee Messages
Kai Kahele
Hawaiʻi Island TrusteeKaialiʻi Kahele was elected trustee for Hawaiʻi Island in 2024 and elected OHA board chair the same year. Trustee Messages
Carmen Hulu Lindsey
Maui TrusteeCarmen Hulu Lindsey has represented Maui as an OHA trustee since January 2012. Trustee Messages
John D. Waiheʻe IV
At-Large TrusteeJohn D. Waiheʻe IV has been an OHA trustee-at-large since 2000. He is also the son of former Governor John Waihe‘e, who was instrumental in creating OHA. Truste Messages
Trustee Messages
Reviving ʻĀina, Identity, and Economy: The Heartbeat of Native Hawaiian Small...
Across Hawaiʻi, a quiet renaissance is taking place, led not by large corporations, but by Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs weaving culture, ʻāina, and innovation into the fabric of their businesses.
E Hoʻoulu Kākou i ka ʻImi Waiwai: Growing Hawaiian Enterprise
Starting a business can feel daunting, but you are not alone. Across our islands, the Native Hawaiian Chambers of Commerce — on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Molokaʻi — are here to support you.
Aloha ʻOe e Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin
Our hula community mourns the passing of a woman whose light illuminated so many of our paths — Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin.
Restoring ʻĀina, Restoring Ourselves
Last month, I had the privilege of representing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at Mālama ʻĀina Kākou, a benefit hosted by the Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT).
Protecting Our Lands and Returning Them to the People
For generations, our ʻāina has been the source of life, identity, and strength for our people. It feeds us, shelters us, and grounds us in our history and traditions.
I Mua Kamehameha!
Today, like generations before us, we are called to stand firm for our lāhui.
Strengthening Pacific Connections Through Culture and Youth Leadership
Recently, I had the privilege of welcoming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan and their delegation of International Youth Ambassadors to OHA alongside Trustee Dan Ahuna.
ʻAi Kanaka: The Tale of the Cannibals Omokaʻa and Okoe
Long ago there were two brothers who lived in the village. One of them, Kamiki, was kind, considerate, and hardworking.
My Thoughts on Chief of War
The new Apple TV+ series Chief of War starring Jason Momoa has stirred many emotions in our Hawaiian community.
A Renovated Office and a New Budget
Aloha mai kākou. I want to take a moment to affirm the meaningful progress we’ve made in the first six months of 2025.
Investing in Keaukaha’s Future: Mahalo Mayor Alameda
July 31 marked a historic step forward for the Keaukaha community and all East Hawaiʻi: The County of Hawai‘i broke ground on long-needed upgrades to the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant – a $337 million investment to address decades of neglect, modernize wastewater infrastructure, and protect public health and the environment for generations.
Achieving Homeownership for Hawaiians
For the Mokulehua ʻOhana, the dream of owning a home began with quiet sacrifices – late nights balancing budgets and teaching their children the value of patience.
A Deeply Humbling Experience
Last month, I had the honor of traveling with our OHA delegation to the 2025 Raromataʻi Festival in Raʻiātea.
Mōhala Mai: Blossoming Hope for Native Hawaiian Women and Families
In the heart of Honolulu’s McCully neighborhood, the Mōhala Mai project – meaning “blossom forth” – represents a new vision for housing justice.
Hawaiʻi: A Model for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This column not so subtly invites reflection through a theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) – a subject deeply resonant with Hawaiʻi’s social and cultural landscape. While many may remain publicly silent on DEI, the values that shape our communities compel me to speak.
Mana Mele
Mana is not just spiritual energy – it is identity, it is lineage, it is the invisible thread that ties us to our kūpuna and ʻāina. For me, music is my mana.
This Budget is Bold, Transparent, and Centered on Our Lāhui
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) recently adopted a $136 million biennium budget with a supermajority of the Board of Trustees
Reviving the Paniolo Spirit: A Path to Sustainable Economic Renewal on...
Fourth-generation Hawaiian cowboy James “Jimmy” Duvauchelle inherited the paniolo spirit.
Mālama ʻĀina through Culture and Technology
While the thrill of riding in an ATV was an unforgettable experience, it was not the adrenaline that left the deepest impression; it was witnessing the integration of contemporary science and engineering with traditional Native Hawaiian stewardship practices.
Kānaka Rangers: Restoring Balance on Kaua‘i’s North Shore
Nestled in the rugged and stunning ʻahupuaʻa of Wainiha on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, a quiet but powerful movement is underway - one led by local communities, rooted in Native Hawaiian values, and strengthened through an innovative collaboration with The Hanalei Initiative, a local nonprofit stewarding land management effort in the region.