During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the financial obligations of the state to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the interpretation of revenue definitions by various state agencies. OHA representatives expressed concerns that agencies are prioritizing their interests over the needs of native Hawaiians, particularly regarding financial reporting and revenue allocation.

A key point raised was the historical context of Act 304, established in 1990, which OHA believes should guide current financial dealings. The representatives highlighted that the state has failed to fulfill its fiduciary duty to native Hawaiians, with current annual payments to OHA amounting to $21.5 million, a figure they argue should be closer to $65 million when accounting for airport revenues and other sources.

The meeting also addressed the implications of the 2002 court ruling that struck down Act 304, which suggested that the state could be held accountable if it continued to delay payments. OHA representatives emphasized that the financial support they receive is a constitutional guarantee, and they criticized the lack of audits by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) regarding the financial reporting of other state agencies.

The representatives argued that all state agencies perform public functions, and thus, the rationale for unequal financial allocations to OHA is unjust. They called for a reassessment of how state funds are distributed, insisting that the current situation is inequitable and detrimental to the native Hawaiian community, many of whom are now living on the mainland due to unaffordable living conditions in Hawaii.