Office Of Hawaiian Affairs

The meeting provided an update on legislative activities, noting that the single referral deadline was approaching. Key discussions focused on the progress of several legislative packages. Regarding Matrix One, the Land Use Commission bill, which addresses naming the traditional Hawaiian land use seat and adding water expertise, remains alive, having garnered substantial supportive testimony. The commercial aquarium ban bill is also progressing. The burial reimbursement bill, aimed at addressing quorum issues for council members due to various constraints, is still moving forward and requires further input from the trustees regarding reimbursement structures. The historic preservation bill was reported as 'dead' for the current session. For Matrix Two, the committee is seeking to move to a position of full support for a bill (HB2584) that increases Public Land Trust revenues, highlighting concerns regarding testimony from the Attorney General's office that appeared to misrepresent the law concerning OHA's mandated 20% share. Discussions also covered the need for a specific figure for the temporary increase in payouts from the overage account to cover costs while an audit is pending, with a request to visit the Attorney General to clarify the misinformation provided during prior testimony.

The meeting focused on the Budget and Finance Committee's agenda, commencing with the approval of the committee minutes from February 4th, 2026, and February 18th, 2026. Key action item BF2604 involved the discussion and approval of OHA funding for various Hokua Lahooi event sponsorship awards for Fiscal Year 2025 to 2026, Quarter 4 Batch 2, which included testimony regarding the growth and cultural significance of the Mayday 2026 event. Further discussion included requests for funding for the annual Manu Oku Festival, which focuses on the Manoku bird as an ambassador for native species, and the Wai Moku Made event, which supports Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners by increasing access to markets and capital. Finally, testimony was heard regarding the Manini and Me Holo Holo Festival, aimed at teaching shoreline fishing and generational responsibility regarding nearshore resources.

The meeting commenced with roll call confirming quorum. Procedural information regarding public testimony via Zoom was provided. The board recognized administrative staff present. Key discussion focused on an update concerning the Hawaii Community Development Authority's (HCDA) planning update process for Kakaʻako Makai, specifically revisiting zoning laws and restrictions, with an emphasis on exploring housing opportunities. A visual presentation was shared detailing illustrative massing models, showing building height configurations, public space allocations, and the harbor front promenade design, all based on current HCDA rules. The timeline for HCDA's process, including upcoming community visioning workshops and the subsequent issuance of three scenarios for community feedback, was outlined. There was discussion on community sentiment, noting general support for housing for locals but a desire for density levels lower than those seen in the Maʻakalo area. The board also confirmed that Kuna Housing is included in the development scenarios under consideration. A significant portion of the discussion addressed clarifying that the presented massing model is an illustrative vision subject to change, intended to counter misinformation regarding potential development and to show current zoning allowances. The approval of the January 16, 2026, minutes was conducted via roll call vote.

The board reconvened following a presentational briefing on Native Hawaiian Healthcare. Key business included the ratification of Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment (BAE) positions for matrices C2 through C9, which addressed OHA-named bills and positions on legislation affecting public land trust, natural resources, native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, native Hawaiian housing, health, education, economic stability, and historical preservation. The board also authorized the chairperson to sign a letter of support for the Hawaii Education Alliance Task Force. Additionally, the board addressed an action item concerning the reallocation of $50,000 from conference strategy and implementation to grants in aid for the Kuika Loro conference, prompting discussion about funding sources and expenditure restrictions. A separate motion amended the deadline for the Mana Imauola ad hoc committee deliverables.

The meeting convened on February 19, 2026, as an informational briefing concerning the proposed merger between HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health, termed 'One Health Hawaii.' The discussion focused heavily on the potential implications for Native Hawaiian healthcare and access to care in rural communities. Presentations highlighted the historical context of healthcare inequities impacting Native Hawaiians, tracing back to colonial diseases and the establishment of early hospital systems by Hawaiian royalty. The speakers emphasized that the current healthcare system is unsustainable due to its fee-for-service structure, which incentivizes treating sickness rather than promoting upstream wellness, citing disproportionate rates of chronic diseases like diabetes among Native Hawaiians. The proposed vertically integrated structure aims to change incentives to reward positive health outcomes, streamline administrative functions (like care coordination), and reinvest savings into preventative care, which is critical for improving health equity and access across all communities.