OHA Trustees

Messages from OHA Trustees

Dan Ahuna

Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Trustee

Dan Ahuna has represented the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau as an OHA trustee since November 2012. Trustee Messages

Kalei Akaka

Oʻahu Trustee

Kalei Akaka was elected to represent the island of Oʻahu as an OHA trustee in 2018. Trustee Messages

Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D.

At-Large Trustee

Keli‘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 Trustee

Luana 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 Trustee

Brickwood Galuteria was elected OHA Trustee-At-Large in 2022. Trustee Messages

Carmen Hulu Lindsey

Maui Trustee

Carmen Hulu Lindsey has represented Maui as an OHA trustee since January 2012. Trustee Messages

Keoni Souza

At-Large Trustee

Keoni Souza was elected OHA Trustee-At-Large in 2022. Trustee Messages

Mililani Trask

Hawaiʻi Island Trustee

Mililani Trask is a lawyer and well-known Native Hawaiian rights activist that has served the Hawaiian community for decades. For more than 30 years, she has served as the executive director of The Gibson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Native Hawaiians to attain homeownership. Trustee Messages

John D. Waiheʻe IV

At-Large Trustee

John 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

Dysfunctional Legislative Session an Affront to Native Hawaiians

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We cannot let one of the most dysfunctional legislative sessions in recent history end without comment from OHA.

It’s Time for OHA to Change its Messaging About Kakaʻako Makai

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As a Trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), I am dedicated to the advancement of Native Hawaiians and all people in Hawaiʻi.

The House Refusal to Hear OHA’s Bill was “Red-lining”

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We tend not to think about “red-lining” in Hawaiʻi. But the recent legislative session and some unearthed history make me think it’s time we recognized how that concept operates here.

From the 60th Merrie Monarch Festival to a Royal Coronation

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This past April marked the momentous 60th anniversary of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Push Back Against Misinformation About Hakuone

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If you saw me in one of the 30-second TV spots that have been airing about Hakuone, I hope you understood why I begin by calling out the shameless lying we have been subjected to.

Register to Vote. You Have Power. Use it!

My heart is heavy because we, the Indigenous people of these islands have been gravely disrespected yet again. You know from the media reports that...

An Emphasis on Grassroots Engagement

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Mahalo to the wonderful residents of Molokaʻi and Kauaʻi for welcoming me this past month on my official site visits in my capacity as OHA Trustee At-Large.

Native Hawaiian Gender-Based Violence

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In January, I attended a roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono at OHA with organizations supporting Native Hawaiian women and Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence.

Taking Pride in Our Culture and Addressing the Need for Affordable...

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As many of you now know, OHA’s plans for Hakuone include a Hawaiian Cultural Center.

Meeting with Kūpuna on Molokaʻi

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Highly regarded as keepers of traditional knowledge and wisdom, kūpuna set the tone and expectations in Hawaiian communities.

2023 State Audit of OHA: Is the ‘Glass Half Empty’ or...

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Audits can be a difficult pill to swallow. However, in the end, they can prove to be good medicine. Audits are often viewed from differing perspectives.

Honor Pele by Developing Geothermal Respectfully

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I have worshipped Tūtū Pele for most of my adult life. I was at the front of the historic protest on March 25, 1990, to protect Wao Kele o Puna forest as the attorney for Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi kūpuna who led the protest and were arrested that day.

Politics and Progress

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As I continue to get situated in my role as your OHA Trustee At-Large, I have come to understand the importance that OHA plays in the legislative process.

Hawai‘i Would Not be the Same Without Hawaiians

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Hawaiʻi would not be the same without Hawaiians. However, more Hawaiians are moving out of Hawaiʻi every year.

Deliberate Misinformation: The contemporary approach to trampling Hawaiian rights

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I began 2023 filled with optimism that OHA would finally be free to get on with the task of developing its 30 acres in Kakaʻako Makai.

Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Site Visit

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As your OHA Trustee it is important to me to get out into the community and see where OHA is able to collaborate with organizations supporting our Native Hawaiian people.

We Won’t Stand Idly By

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The recent passing of Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa (April 23, 1926 – Dec. 11, 2022) was a moment for reflection.

Federal Recognition of Hawaiian Sovereignty: One People, Many Views

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On Oct. 19, 2022, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it would host its first-ever consultation policy with the Native Hawaiian community.

December Updates, Talk-Story Sessions and Hakuone

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As we move into the 2023 legislative session, OHA continues efforts to acquire votes needed to get development exemptions for OHA to have highest and best use of its lands at Kakaʻako Makai (now called Hakuone).

Intent for Kakaʻako Makai in 2012 Needs to Become Reality in...

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The Star-Advertiser began the year with an editorial that suggests that, for lawmakers, 2023 may be “a chance to complete unfinished business.”