Kauaʻi Candidate
- 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
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What is your understanding regarding the intent and purpose of Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapters 10 and 10H and how would you, as a trustee, support these state mandates?
Wai and iwi kūpuna are current Board of Trustee priorities. Identify key opportunities OHA can pursue to make a positive impact in addressing those priorities.
If elected, how do you plan to collaborate with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to advance OHA’s mission?
Fiduciary responsibility is an important trustee kuleana. What experience do you have with policy and strategic direction setting?
What strategies should OHA employ to address any potential conflicts of interest (internal or external), maintain accountability with its beneficiaries, and ensure operational transparency?
How do you envision the role of OHA evolving in the next five to ten years?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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