However, if we want to see positive change in our community, one of the most powerful ways we can make this happen is by showing up, casting our ballots, and voting individuals of character into office who will represent the people and communities they serve with transparency and integrity.

If you have not already registered to vote, there is still time. Legal residents, 18 years or older, can register to vote right up to Election Day (August 8 for the primary).

Voting is one way to show that we care about our community and our ʻāina – and it is the only way that we can make sure that the people who are making the laws that govern Hawaiʻi are representing the needs and concerns of regular people – not just the wealthy, special interest groups, or lobbyists.

Strong Native Hawaiian Representation in This Year’s Election

Over 300 candidates filed to run in the 2026 Hawaiʻi election, and this year, representation from the Native Hawaiian community is impressive. A third of the all the candidates, about 90 individuals, identify as Native Hawaiian. Some are first time candidates younger than 40, who are leaders in their respective communities.

Of special note is the emergence this year of a new coalition called Moho ʻĀina which has adopted a standard of Hawaiian values and practices for Hawaiʻi politicians. It is not a political party but a hui of 13 political candidates.

Moho is a political candidate or representative, and ʻāina is the land or that which feeds. The members refer to themselves as moho ʻāina – candidates who have drafted strategies to make Hawaiʻi better in areas of education, housing, aloha ʻāina, agriculture, keiki and kūpuna care, healthcare and in the economy.

Some of their general objectives include decreasing the DHHL blood quantum requirement, demilitarization, changing place names (like Hawaiʻi Kai or Pearl City) back to their original names, reducing violence in communities, and reducing traffic fatalities. All of these issues have been raised before in politics but have only seen incremental – or no – improvements.

Nā Hoa Moho ʻĀina (friends of Moho ʻĀina), are a group of 11 additional candidates, some Native Hawaiian and some not, who align with the hui’s objectives and actions.

You can learn more about these candidates, and their objectives and values, at mohoaina.com.

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• Age | 66
• Occupation | OHA Trustee At-large
• Where did you grow up | Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Schooling | Northwestern University (BA), University of Hawaiʻi (M.A., Ph.D.)
• Current residence | Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Website | www.keliiakina.com

1. One of the most important laws in Hawaiʻi is found in Chapter 10 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. It describes a remarkable agreement set forth in the Admissions Act by “The people of the State of Hawaiʻi and the United States of America” to establish a trust for the “betterment of conditions for native Hawaiians.”As an OHA trustee, it has been my kuleana to work with my colleagues to steward this trust, thus bettering the conditions of Native Hawaiians.Chapter 10H recognizes the Native Hawaiian people as the only Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi and highlights the State of Hawaiʻi’s legal obligation to assist the Native Hawaiian people to facilitate their self-governance. That includes the ownership, possession, or use of lands by the Native Hawaiian people, and the promotion of our culture, heritage, entitlements, health, education, and welfare.In order to fulfill this Chapter 10 mandate, trustees must properly manage the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund, which is the primary asset base of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. That is why, when I was first elected to serve as an OHA trustee, I committed myself to protect the trust fund, grow it, and use it to meet the needs of Hawaiians. Specifically, I have made it my priority to protect the trust fund through audits and forensic reviews. These have resulted in significant reforms to OHA and the reduction of fraud, waste and abuse.Now as I seek another term of office, my aim is to grow the trust fund through the development of OHA properties such as Kakaʻako Makai (Hakuone) and Iwilei, as well as by seeking OHA’s full share of the Public Lands Trust (ceded lands) revenue.The major obstacle to fulfilling HRS Chapter 10 is that OHA is not receiving its legally entitled share of the Public Lands Trust revenues from the State of Hawaiʻi. For this reason, I plan to continue working with my fellow trustees to secure a full and accurate accounting of the Public Lands Trust and amounts due to the Native Hawaiian people. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that the federal and state government comply with the law and provide Hawaiians with the revenues we are owed.
2. There are several key opportunities that OHA can pursue to make a positive impact in addressing wai and iwi kūpuna. For example, OHA can continue to assert the legal right for Native Hawaiians to access fresh water and to mālama iwi kūpuna. For iwi kūpuna, OHA can urge the governor to fill open seats on the burial council to ensure that the state upholds its legal and cultural obligations to our ancestors. For wai, OHA can collaborate with other state agencies like DHHL to ensure that vital infrastructure is developed so that homesteaders have access to fresh water.
3. As a Trustee, I have and will continue to collaborate with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to advance OHA’s mission. For example, one of my first responsibilities when I became an OHA Trustee was to lead a committee tasked with reviewing OHA’s annual $3 million commitment to DHHL. These funds were used to help DHHL pay interest on revenue bonds to finance infrastructure, allowing development of nearly 500 homesteads for Hawaiian families. This is a good start, but there are other possibilities for collaboration, including: 1)Developing affordable rental housing projects that offer interim housing to beneficiaries awaiting homesteads; 2) Developing and leasing of DHHL condos and apartments; 3) Fostering commercial development to generate revenue to fund housing. As a Trustee-at-Large, I will continue to push for cooperation between OHA and DHHL. In addition, I will continue to work with non-governmental organizations on ways that OHA and NGOs can improve their partnerships to better serve Native Hawaiians, especially through OHA’s grants program. Collaboration can include assisting more NGOs with OHA’s grant application process and awarding more NGOs with grants so that organizations can serve a higher number of Native Hawaiians.
4. As an experienced Trustee, I have embraced and grown in my fiduciary kuleana to prudently manage OHA’s trust assets on behalf of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries and the people of Hawaiʻi. This is why I pursued two independent forensic reviews of OHA’s financial transactions from 2012-2016 which uncovered significant instances of fraud, waste, and abuse. I am grateful that, in response, OHA has implemented policies and procedures to ensure that this does not happen again. I will continue to influence OHA’s policy and strategic direction to ensure transparency and accountability.At the same time, I have collaborated with my fellow Trustees to develop the Mana i Mauli Ola 15-year strategic plan, OHA’s Investment Policy Statement, and OHA’s strategies to develop its property at Kakaʻako Makai. These policy and strategic planning efforts are bettering the conditions of Native Hawaiians. 
5. Since the completion of OHA’s two forensic reviews (i.e., CLA and Plante Moran), OHA has implemented stricter policies within its procurement and grant-making processes to ensure that conflicts of interest do not occur or at least are identified. If a conflict of interest cannot be resolved internally, then intervention should be sought from relevant state agencies such as the State Ethics Commission. I have been a strong advocate for holding OHA, its trustees and its personnel accountable to the Ethics Commission.
6. In the next five to 10 years, I envision that the size of OHA’s Trust will grow to unprecedented levels. With more financial resources, OHA will be able to reach and serve even more Native Hawaiians through its programs. Ultimately, OHA will be even closer to operating as the organization that all we all desire – one that fully meets the needs of Native Hawaiians in the areas of housing, education, health, and economic stability. 

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• Age | 74
• Occupation | Retired Honolulu Police Department
• Where did you grow up | Honolulu, Oʻahu
• Schooling | DOE Public Schools: Kaʻuluwela, Pālolo, Kaʻiulani Elementaries – K-6; Kamehameha 7-12
• Current residence | Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi
• Website | nihipali.org

1. In 1898, Queen Liliʻuokalani wrote in her book, Hawaiʻi’s Story by Hawai’i Queen: “the people of the Islands have no voice in determining their future, but are virtually relegated to the condition of aborigines of the American continent.” In the 1990s, Federal Recognition was disguised as the Akaka Bill. It was debated and debunked. OHA spent millions of dollars on its defunct Kau Inoa and Kanaiolowalu programs. OHA promised nationhood in 2006, but reneged and in 2023, former OHA Trustee Apo wrote: “OHA abandons commitment to Self-Governance, OHA is defaulting on one of its primary reasons it was created in the first place.” OHA still has NO Nation Building initiatives of Self-Determination or Self-Governance. These fundamental rights acknowledge the inherent economic and political sovereignty of a nation to have autonomy to govern its own affairs; preserve and perpetuate its cultural heritage; make decisions that best serve its community and ensures a rightful place in shaping the future of our homeland. The DOI/DOJ reports of 2000 & 2002: Findings and Recommendations have guidelines. HRS 10 & 10H ignores the continuing wrong by failing to recognize the government of the people of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Until Reconciliation is defined and implemented, I don’t support, nor appreciate OHA’s role in regurgitating this hewa, the continuation of U.S. and state governments to terminate our Native Hawaiian interests and entitlements to our ʻāina and revenues. Reconciliation education will provide opportunities to achieve peace and foster coexistence between opposing communities. OHA foundations and directions can be addressed through the Apology and our Kuleana Waiwai Like (KWWL) Project. Political obstacles to reconciliation can seem overwhelming, but with positive changes in attitudes, spirit, and relationships, it is attainable.
2. Kāne i ka wai ola – the water of life, is free. It’s the delivery system that has been commodified. According to State Constitution, Hawaiians have first priority to water, but like all our natural resources, we beneficiaries have no say nor control. This needs to huliau, change. What is needed is independent legal counsel funding and seats at the tables of the Molokaʻi Irrigation System and State Water Commission. The excavation of 1,000 nā iwi kūpuna from their wahi pana at Honokahua, Maui, for the Ritz Carlton Hotel in 1988 was a major turning point halting such desecrations. As poʻo of Hui Mālama i Nā Iwi Kūpuna o Hawaiʻi Nei (HMINK) then, HMINK and OHA were the only two entities recognized by NAGPRA, and we chartered state burial laws. We repatriated over 5,000 iwi kūpuna and moepu locally and nationally from all federally funded institutions and museums throughout continental America, and internationally from Australia, Tahiti, Guam, Scotland, England and Germany. This is the highest form of sovereignty that Kānaka can live as it strengthens our ancestral foundation that continues the interdependency between our past, present and future. It strengthens the depth of our Hawaiian Nation familial foundation and survival, despite the alleged overthrow of our Nation Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. In repatriation, pule and protocols linked us ancestrally, with our life cycles, as their spiritual presence protected, inspired and guided us in our work. Ola nā iwi!
3. Economic independence is an essential element of political sovereignty based on the same foundation and legacy we received from our ancestors. Our native trusts are valued over $20 billion. Financial and economic freedom are central to the viability and wellbeing of our people and ensures access and control of our trust investments, be it fiscal, land, and/or natural resources. We proposed our KWWL project to OHA 20+ years ago to utilize a strategic and cultural path of goals, objectives, values and beliefs between partners/stakeholders and the Kānaka Maoli Hawaii. KWWL is a realignment plan intended to assist in leading us from economic dependence to economic independence. It will give us a sense of self-reliance to obtain our full human potential to manage our Native Hawaiian trust assets in a manner that empowers us beneficiaries and provides competitive returns that communicate Hawaiian values. My experiences with Native Hawaiian educational community organizations: Pua Foundation, Hui Naʻauao, HMINK, Puʻuhonua o Waimānalo; committees and boards: Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, KWWL, Native American Rights Fund: Investment and Audit; elected officials, agencies, institutions and unions can help to enrich and build community economic capacity as prudent and socially responsible investors. KWWL also includes a community outreach plan for CDFI development strategic investment planning workshops, leading to a community empowerment bank and restore our status as stewards of our future.
4. Combined into answer above.
5. OHA is accountable to all the people of Hawaiʻi and needs to be held to the same ethical standards as any other state agency, with transparency and accessibility. It should adopt best practices in public communication, ensure regular and open meetings, provide clear, easily accessible information on its activities and finances, to maintain the trust and confidence of the people it represents. That will foster greater trust and engagement with the Native Hawaiian and broader public community.
6. OHA needs to huliau, change to find solutions and support reconciliation as the umbrella and basis for our political, economic, social and cultural challenges we face today and into the future. If you discovered something in your past that you didn’t know about, would you close your eyes and cover your ears as if it never happened, or would you accept the information as part of your life history? What happens when we know the truth and do nothing about it? It keeps perpetuating because people and the political powers in place allow it. No lie can live forever. We must speak truth to power. E huliau kākou a pau!

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• Age | Undisclosed
• Occupation | Principal Broker, Adjunct Professor
• Where did you grow up | Kalihi, Oʻahu
• Schooling | University of Hawaiʻi, University of Virginia Darden School of Business
• Current residence | Makiki, Oʻahu
• Website | LinkedIn

1. Na alakaʻi a me na laʻia o keia Komike o na Kuleana ilikini o ka Ahaʻolelo Nui o ʻAmelika Hui Pu ʻia, aloha mai kakou. He loa ke ala i hele ʻia e makou, na oiwi ʻolino o Hawaiʻi, a he ala i hehi mua ʻia e na aliʻi o makou, e laʻa, o ke Aupuni Moʻi Hawaiʻi, ʻo ia ko makou aliʻi aloha nui ʻia, ʻo Liliʻuokalani. The 15-year MANA I MAULI OLA strategic plan is missing the FOURTH foundation: Self-Determination (Ea)

   Ea (As Opposed by the Grassroots Institute: Civil Beat, Aug. 10, 2016, by Ian Lind) and self-governance is cited in HRS Chapter 10. Native Hawaiians, the third Indigenous people in these 50 states, besides Alaskan Natives and Native American Indians seek parity in inclusion.  Self-determination and self-governance. Why was this taken out of the original Strategic Plan. Native Hawaiians with no other place to call “home” except here, their ʻāina, that which “feeds and sustains” us…a significant part of Hawaiian culture, a reciprocal and familial relationship.

2. Wai is the source that nourishes/feeds our ʻāina…Precious and of great value to sustaining our present and future generations. As described, the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 set aside over 200,000 acres of land in our traditional homeland – the Islands of Hawaiʻi – so that we might return to the land, build homes, grow our traditional foods, raise livestock and cattle, and teach our children the values that are so closely tied to our respect for the ʻāina, and our desire to care for the land, mālama ʻāina. The Act by which Hawaiʻi gained its admission into the union of states is, of course, a federal law – a compact between the United States of America and the State of Hawaiʻi – which explicitly recognizes the distinct status of Native Hawaiians under both federal and state law and the state’s constitution, Chapter 10.
3. See answer to question one above.
4. E hoʻolohe mai a e nānā mai i ka ʻike a me ka maopopo pono o ke kūlana ʻōiwi o ka Hawaiʻi i kona ʻāina kulaiwi mai ke au kahiko loa a ka wā pau ʻole.He pono kēia ʻōlelo i mua o ʻoukou i ʻōlelo ʻia me ka ikaika a me ka mana a me ke aloha o nā kūpuna i hala, nā Hawaiʻi he lehu o kēia au a me nā hanauna e puka aʻe ana nō.

   1978 – Amendment to State Constitution – Hawaiians to give expression to their rights.

5. He loa ke ala i hele ʻia e makou, na ʻoiwi ʻolina o Hawaiʻi, a he ala i hehi mua ʻia e na aliʻi o makou, e laʻa, o ka Moʻi Kalakaua, ke Kamaliʻiwahine Kaʻiulani a me ka Moʻiwahine hope a ke Aupui Moʻi i Hawaiʻi, ʻo ia ko makou aliʻi I aloha nui ʻia, ʻo Liliʻuokalani.  A he nui no hoi na Hawaiʻi kunou mai ai i mua o ʻoukou e nana pono mai i ke kuleana o ka ʻoiwi Hawaiʻi, kona nohona, kona olakino, ka hoʻonaʻauao a pela wale aku.  Ua pono ka Helena hou a makou nei a loaʻa ka pono o ka ʻaina ke kulaiwi paʻa mau o ka lahui ʻoiwi o Hawaiʻi paeʻaina, ʻo ia awale no ka Hawaiʻi. No laila, eia hou no ka ʻoiwi Hawaiʻi, he alo a he alo, me ka ʻAhaʻolelo Nui.
6. Another manifestation of Native Hawaiians’ desire to maintain a distinct Native Hawaiian role in the evolution of Hawaiʻi’s society, was the establishment of a Hawaiian Civic Club in Honolulu in December of 1917, initiated by Hawaiʻi’s delegate to the U.S. Congress and a Native Hawaiian, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. This first club was dedicated to the education of Native Hawaiians, the elevation of their social, economic and intellectual status as they promote principles of good government, outstanding citizenship and civic pride in the inherent progress of Hawaiʻi and all of her people. Today, there are more than 52 Hawaiian Civic Clubs across the United States through which Native Hawaiians actively contribute to the civic, economic, health and social welfare of the Native Hawaiian community by supporting programs of benefit to the people of Hawaiian ancestry.

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At-Large Candidates

Leinaʻala Ahu Isa

Keliʻi Akina

Kauaʻi Candidates

Dan Ahuna

Laura Lindsey

Molokaʻi Candidates

Luana Alapa

R. Kūnani Nihipali

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• Age | 56
• Occupation | OHA Trustee, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
• Where did you grow up | Papakōlea, Oʻahu
• Schooling | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
• Current residence | Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi
• Website | n/a

1. Per Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes ß 10-1, the purpose of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is the betterment of conditions for the Native Hawaiian people. To accomplish this kuleana, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs must get behind our beneficiaries to support them as much as possible, especially when the state steps in to limit or curtail their rights. As a Trustee now, I actively engage with our community, create space for them to be heard, advocate on their behalf to ensure that their needs are being met, and implement strategies that mitigate any harm in furtherance of their self-determination.
2. As a Trustee, I have a fiduciary obligation to our beneficiaries, the Native Hawaiian people. It’s imperative to recognize, however, that the betterment of the Native Hawaiian people is inextricably tied to the protection of wai and iwi kūpuna. To uphold my fiduciary obligations to our beneficiaries, therefore, is to do whatever I can as a Trustee to protect wai and iwi kūpuna. OHA, as a semi-autonomous state entity, can facilitate grant opportunities for practitioners and scholars in wai and iwi kūpuna. OHA must activate our advocacy team to lead meetings, trainings, and burial council nominations in furtherance of our kuleana. We should be physically and spiritually present for our community at the legislature, gatherings, and in ceremony to honor and ʻauamo our kuleana as kānaka at multiple levels and in multiple spaces. I am truly humbled to continue to engage in these key opportunities, kūkākūkā with community leaders and ʻohana, and better kākoʻo our lāhui.
3. The key to collaboration is each party understanding their role and responsibility. Our role as Trustees is to uphold our fiduciary obligations to our beneficiaries to ensure that the state is upholding their fiduciary obligations to our people. I will continue to maintain being accessible to contact, meet, or be a resource to offer a space for strategy and resolution prioritizing our Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.
4. I have been a Trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since 2012. While on the Board of Trustees, I have served as the Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Resource Management Committee, Vice Chair of the Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment Committee, and Interim Chair of the Board. In such capacities, I have been integral in the appropriation of funds for the victims of the Lahaina fire, assisted our Hawaiian-focused charter schools in obtaining grant monies, sat as Chair of the Maunakea Ad hoc Committee, engaged with Te Papa Museum in Aotearoa to assist in returning Kalaniopuʻu’s mahiole and ʻahuʻula, held a key role to facilitate the first Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area in the state of Hawaiʻi, and more. I will continue to work tirelessly to assist community advocates and lāhui kānaka to the best of my abilities.
5. The Board of Trustees must maintain oversight, and actively engage with our beneficiaries to ensure our people are being heard, valued, and assisted. To accomplish this, OHA must consistently engage with our community, advocate relentlessly, and employ multi-faceted approaches to communication on multiple platforms (i.e., mainstream and social media, community organizing, neighborhood/county/state/federal).
6. The evolution of OHA is predicated upon the evolving needs of our lāhui. As the purpose of OHA is the betterment of Native Hawaiians, OHA must evolve in alignment with our people’s needs to ensure that their needs are being met. To align with our people’s needs, we must hold steadfast in our advocacy efforts, implement the BOT-approved strategic plan “Mana i Mauli Ola,” grow the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund with the purpose of intergenerational sustainability, and normalize prioritizing the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians above all else. What’s good for lāhui kānaka is good for Hawaiʻi. E ulu, e ola!

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• Age | 63
• Occupation | OHA Trustee, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi
• Where did you grow up | Lāʻie, Oʻahu
• Schooling | University of Hawaiʻi
• Current residence | Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi
• Website | alapaforoha.com

1. Chapter 10: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) was established in 1978 and implemented by chapter 10, HRS, in 1979. The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting OHA policy and managing the agency’s trust.  

   As a Trustee, I am responsible for creating, supporting, and developing policies that enable OHA to execute programs and projects aimed at strengthening our lāhui. It is also my duty to address concerns from our beneficiaries and, if necessary, bring them to the attention of OHA administration or the state administration, as we are tasked with advocating for the Hawaiian people.

   In previous years, OHA has conducted surveys indicating that our lāhui supports some form of federal recognition. As a Trustee, it is my kuleana to assist our administration in working towards establishing a roll call for our people, ensuring the protection of entitlements and rights afforded to us as the first peoples of Hawaiʻi. Chapter 10H further verifies our work at OHA.

2. One need only visit the OHA website to see that iwi kūpuna has always been a priority, including repatriation, protection at work sites, and the enforcement of proper care for iwi. This commitment will continue, whether in the courthouse or on new construction sites across Hawaiʻi. This is an area where OHA can improve and be more diligent in exercising our duty to advocate for our lāhui.

   The concern for wai goes without saying – wai is life. OHA must continue to collaborate with advocates who protect our water from exploitation and environmental impacts for the good of all Hawaiʻi. As Trustees, we must work together to ensure that both fresh water and ocean resources are protected and preserved for future generations.

3. OHA must always be willing to work with sister agencies and government entities for the betterment of the Hawaiian people as stated in the General Provisions under Chapter 10.
4. No one comes to the OHA Board of Trustees fully knowledgeable. True leadership is about surrounding yourself with competent staff and supporting their work. Trustees should also pursue ongoing training, particularly in areas like investing and growing the trust for the Hawaiian people. Our strategies continue to focus on addressing persistent challenges as well, such as home security, safety, and repairs for our most vulnerable beneficiaries. I will continue to support the administration’s strategies that work toward tangible change and efforts that benefit more of our beneficiaries.
5. OHA must return to being a highly visible organization, with meaningful outreach efforts led by caring and assertive staff who build strong relationships with our people at all levels. We must always be mindful of our spending and investments on behalf of beneficiaries, ensuring that our resources are used wisely. This includes more strategic and thoughtful grant support, with a clear return on investment that positively impacts many. Operational transparency can only thrive in an organizational culture that encourages it and intentionally makes it the hallmark of our work for the lāhui.
6. In the next five years, OHA must set clear goals and benchmarks to measure progress and achieve tangible outcomes. We need to be well-versed in our bylaws, executive policies, and federal and state laws, ensuring we remain mindful of our responsibilities. As Trustees, we can be better stewards of the Trust by becoming more informed and prepared, enabling us to make stronger and more confident investment decisions while staying current with trends that maximize returns for the Trust.

   In the next 10 years, I envision OHA overseeing a vibrant and economically sound Kakaʻako that all Hawaiians can take pride in. Our beneficiaries are waiting and deserve efforts that demonstrate real change. It’s time.

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• Age | 60
• Occupation | Department of Finance, County of Kauaʻi
• Where did you grow up | Pauoa & Pālolo, Oʻahu and Wailua, Kauaʻi
• Schooling | Oʻahu
• Current residence | Kauaʻi, Wailua Homesteads
• Website | lindsey4kauai.org

1. OHA is designed to address the needs of the aboriginal class of people of Hawaiʻi, meaning Native Hawaiians. It seems as if OHA is failing to register our people and if so, then OHA cannot truly address their welfare. If Native Hawaiian peoples are not properly registered then how can they benefit from OHA programs?As a trustee, I would support these mandates by satisfying the following needs. We need more effective outreach for all beneficiaries. We need to register beneficiaries at birth. We need to provide more education and advocacy to advise our communities of their entitlements.
2. With Maui Island’s recent victory in the courts, we can use this momentum as we move forward to be more cohesive in our efforts in water flow restoration. This is an issue affecting all islands. The key opportunity here is working together across islands so we can achieve more and more quickly.Iwi kūpuna will be a constant and ongoing priority. We need to ensure the proper care and respect is shown to honor our kūpuna. The key would be to review past practices and look for the next best practices around any policies involving Iwi kūpuna.
3. I have a lifetime of experience working with many of the organizations on the Hui ʻImi Council and I will continue to advocate for the wellbeing of our Hawaiian people. I am willing to collaborate with all community members who have a shared interest in our wellness and prosperity.
4. To uphold my kuleana as a trustee, I would refer to my experiences from past leadership roles. I have worked with and through corporate, nonprofit, religious and government organizations as an auditor and [in] finance. I understand the unique requirements and culture of each of them. My past endeavors were primarily with education and community projects.In my experience the process for policy and strategic direction setting is simple. Address the beneficiaries, assess data, plan a strategic outcome, understand what other needs may arise and how to best allocate resources to meet those needs.
5. The strategy would be to uphold the values and foundations of OHA, and to have clear and enforceable guidelines aligned with the values. Continue with the financial procedures and audits already in place. If needed, create OHA’s own oversight, follow-up and ethics council.
6. OHA will evolve rapidly to address the fact that 53% of Hawaiians reside outside of Hawaiʻi. We will find a way to reach all the ʻohana who have been displaced, as they are still beneficiaries. Now beneficiaries with no vote and no voice in selecting their representatives.In this upcoming election I appeal to all voters who benefit from living in Hawaiʻi, to those of you who know Hawaiian families, and those that love Hawaiʻi’s culture, ʻāina and people to vote for the initiatives that help Hawaiians. Be allies, amplify their voices and vote. No more blanks, please.In the next five to 10 years OHA will support the needs of every Hawaiian ʻohana. OHA will help every ʻohana that wishes to live in Hawaiʻi to do so and thrive. We will keep ʻohana whole and at home. As we move toward better and brighter days ahead, we can adjust, evolve and thrive together!

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A coalition of Native Hawaiian serving organizations including Kanaeokana, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Kamehameha Schools, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) have joined together to form Our Kaiāulu Votes, a collective effort to increase election participation among ʻōiwi, youth, and first-time voters.

Our Kaiāulu Votes believes that casting a ballot is a powerful act that connects us to a proud lineage of civic leadership, from our revered aliʻi down to the ʻōpio who are about to vote for the very first time.

“By voting, Native Hawaiians can influence decisions on policies and laws that directly affect their lives, including issues related to land rights, education, healthcare and cultural preservation,” said Niniau Kawaihae, OHA director of Community Engagement.

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In 2024, over 100 leaders will be elected by Hawaiʻi voters, from Lahaina to Washington, D.C., And many races will be decided during the Primary Election on August 10.

Our Kaiāulu Votes is organizing its first major voter mobilization on August 9, called the “Walk to the Box.” Voters and supporters of election participation are invited to join these rallies for civic engagement.

Participants are encouraged to bring their completed ballots for dropoff at each location’s drop box. Signs for waving will be provided. These events are intended to be nonpartisan, and participants are asked to refrain from displaying clothing, buttons, or signs associated with political parties or candidates.

“I feel it is important for our whole kaiāulu to vote because it unifies us and allows us to choose representatives who reflect our values. The decisions made by elected leaders impact our culture, ʻāina, and economy significantly, said Haven De Silva, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui.

“As a kaiāulu founded on aloha ʻāina, it is our kuleana, or responsibility, to advocate for our land and its people through the power of our vote.”

Walk to the Box Event Flyer

Download the Flyer – PDF Format

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