During the recent OHA Board of Trustees meeting, community advocate Jermaine Myers raised significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the organization. Speaking passionately, Myers emphasized the importance of fiscal transparency and criticized the board's decision to seek exemption from the sunshine law, which mandates open government practices.

Myers, an OHA beneficiary and Nanakuli Hawaiian homestead lessee, highlighted the need for the legislature to uphold transparency standards, arguing that past decisions have not favored the beneficiaries. "Look at what happened with our pro rata for OHA," he stated, pointing to a history of poor decision-making that he believes stems from a lack of oversight.

In a striking moment, Myers recounted an unsettling experience involving a contractor who allegedly attempted to influence him against Trustee Keoni Souza. He described a lunch meeting where he was offered a check for his advocacy work, but the memo line raised red flags, suggesting ulterior motives. "I will not look for dirt on anyone," Myers asserted, firmly rejecting any attempts to manipulate his advocacy efforts.

Myers also expressed concern over a perceived pattern of attacks against individuals who challenge the board's decisions, referencing past incidents involving other officials. He called for a clear distinction between constructive criticism and personal attacks, urging the board to focus on accountability rather than retaliation.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between community advocates and the board, with Myers' testimony serving as a rallying cry for greater transparency and ethical governance within OHA. As discussions continue, the implications of these concerns may shape future policies and the board's relationship with its beneficiaries.