Council adopts resolution requiring OHA native Hawaiian law training within first year of office

The Hawaii County Council voted unanimously July 8 to adopt an amended Resolution 577 requiring council members to complete native Hawaiian law training administered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs within the first 12 months of their terms.

Kamai Mitchell, a policy advocate with OHA, testified in support and said the 12-month timeline ensures newly elected council members receive training early enough to apply it to land-use, housing and natural-resources decisions. "Completing this training within the first year would help ensure that council members are better supported in their kuleana of making informed decisions," Mitchell said.

Council member Jen Kaguata introduced an amendment to shorten the completion period from 24 months to 12 months after consultation with OHA staff; Kaguata said OHA indicated it can expand training offerings and suggested four sessions a year would be feasible. After brief council discussion and confirmation from Mitchell that OHA offers in-person and online sessions at no cost to attendees, the council voted to amend and then approve the resolution (vote recorded as unanimous, 9 ayes).

What happens next: The resolution is adopted as amended; council members and staff said they expect classes to be scheduled to accommodate the new requirement and staff will coordinate with OHA to ensure availability.