Grace Chen

The briefing and listening session focused on community concerns regarding military-leased lands and the protection of Native Hawaiian rights and resources. Discussions centered on the need for direct consultation with Native Hawaiians during lease negotiations, the protection of cultural sites from military activity, and the inclusion of Kapa Kai analysis in land assessments. Participants also addressed the potential conflict between generating revenue from these lands and protecting them from desecration, and discussed legal advocacy strategies including potential bans on live-fire training and opposing land condemnation or permanent alienation.

The committee discussed a proposal to authorize an expenditure of up to $172,500 for due diligence activities related to the potential acquisition of KITV, Inc. and Kiku, LLC, including their broadcast licenses, real property interests, and related assets from the Allen Media Group. The due diligence process is planned to occur in two phases, focusing on financial analysis, market valuation, and operational assessment to determine the viability of the acquisition.

The committee discussed the approval of the budget for the fiscal bienium periods FY26 and FY27, specifically focusing on budget realignment number two. Key topics included a detailed overview of proposed budget adjustments, the rationale for changes to spending limits, and the fiscal impact of these adjustments. Testimony was provided by beneficiaries regarding concerns over transparency in supplemental spending, specifically concerning temporary staffing services and overtime allocations. The committee also reviewed organizational charts and personnel cost estimates related to the realignment.

The board meeting centered on the recognition of the 2026 Aaho Opio participants, a youth leadership and civic engagement program sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Key topics included an overview of the week-long residential leadership experience, the history and legacy of the program, and the importance of native Hawaiian youth involvement in governance, public policy, and advocacy. Trustees and program coordinators highlighted the students' engagement in mock legislative proceedings, their exploration of community issues such as land stewardship and cultural preservation, and the significance of their participation in future decision-making processes.

The Board discussed the amendment of a prior action item regarding a prime time statewide broadcast debate. The focus of the debate shifted from a congressional district race to the statewide Lieutenant Governor's race due to scheduling constraints and changes in the candidate field. The board also planned to host several candidate forums for Oahu, Maui, and at-large trustee races to facilitate voter education and civic engagement ahead of the primary and general elections.