In a recent meeting of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees, held on October 10, 2023, members gathered to discuss critical issues affecting the native Hawaiian community, including water resource management and the impact of tourism on local water consumption.

The meeting commenced with a prayer led by the chair, emphasizing the trustees' fiduciary responsibilities towards the native Hawaiian people and the importance of wisdom in their decision-making. Following the invocation, the board welcomed new senior director of strategy and implementation, Elena Farden, who expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the team and the community.

After a roll call confirming the attendance of six trustees, the board moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to water updates presented by Wayne Tanaka from the Sierra Club of Hawaii. The discussion highlighted the need for prioritizing water consumption, particularly in light of the pressures exerted by the tourism industry. Doreen Myers, an OHA beneficiary and advocate, voiced her concerns regarding the implications of outside water consumption on local resources, underscoring the necessity for sustainable practices to protect Hawaii's water supply.

The meeting, which was accessible via livestream, showcased the board's commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues while fulfilling their responsibilities to the community they serve.