Trustee fights for OHA rights against ethics commission overreach

During a recent government meeting, a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) passionately addressed the ongoing struggles and historical challenges faced by the organization since its inception in 1980. The trustee recounted a time when OHA members were compensated as little as $25 per meeting and had to fight for basic benefits, including medical coverage, which was only secured in the early 1990s after persistent lobbying efforts.

The trustee emphasized the importance of recognizing OHA as the \"fourth branch of government,\" urging attendees to understand their rights under Chapter 10 of the state constitution. A significant point of contention raised was the authority of the ethics commission, which the trustee argued overstepped its bounds by questioning the use of trustee allowances. The trustee asserted that these funds are part of a trust that should be governed by OHA policies, not state regulations.

Highlighting the potential implications of the ethics commission's actions, the trustee warned that allowing external oversight could jeopardize the trust's integrity and the benefits it provides to beneficiaries, particularly those who are less than 50% Hawaiian. The trustee called for unity among current trustees to protect the trust and its future, stressing that the fight for OHA's recognition and rights is not just a personal battle but one that affects all trustees and beneficiaries.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between OHA and state authorities, as well as the critical need for trustees to safeguard their autonomy in managing trust funds for the benefit of the Hawaiian community.