OHA committee approves $500,000 for permitted interaction group to plan negotiations and advocacy on military land leases

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Budget & Finance Committee voted to approve a $500,000 budget on Feb. 4, 2026, for a permitted interaction group (PIG) charged with developing OHA’s negotiating position and a statewide advocacy strategy related to U.S. military land leases scheduled to expire between 2028 and 2031.

Public testimony from Jermaine Myers, an OHA beneficiary and Nanakuli homestead lessee, urged the committee to limit the allocation to $60,000, argued the committee had not followed internal PIG process, and contested staff statements about federal statutory authority in recent National Defense Authorization Act language. Myers cited the Senate and House versions of the FY26 NDAA and argued that the enacted language, as he read it, did not broadly authorize OHA to represent Native Hawaiians across all military branch lease renewals; he urged careful, evidence-based analysis and stricter process adherence.

Administration and trustees responded in an extended discussion. Chair Kai Kahele and supporters said the yearlong, multi-pronged strategy requires upfront investment to conduct legal and cultural analysis, site visits (including a planned trip to Kaho‘olawe), community briefings, technical-advisor convenings, and a communications program to inform beneficiaries and policymakers statewide. Trustees and staff described budget line items including technical advisory fees, travel and lodging for site visits and advisors, multimedia outreach and a limited production budget for a rallying anthem or advocacy materials, and contingency for recalibration; administrators said three independent authorizers would be required to release funds for specific expenditures and that any unused funds would return to the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund.

Trustees expressed a range of positions: several supported the full $500,000 as a prudent, strategic investment, one trustee voiced concerns about budgeting precedent and withheld support, and others emphasized the need for transparency and corrected materials. Administration noted certain line items (e.g., Kaho‘olawe travel) were estimates and the number of attendees might change; they committed to bringing details forward as plans solidify.

After debate the committee approved the $500,000 allocation by roll call: seven yes, one no, one abstention. Trustees specified the permitted interaction group will carry a sunset date just before the general election and that the PIG recommendation will return to the full board before any final position is adopted.

The committee adjourned after the vote.