[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6665005,"mediaKeyId","2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32","parentId",2366601,"title","Protectors of Wailupe burial site ask OHA to hold title and expedite purchase application","audioSeconds",131,"startMs",12753000,"endMs",12884000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32&start=12753&end=12884","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32/thumbnail_12753000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6665005/Hawaii/Protectors-of-Wailupe-burial-site-ask-OHA-to-hold-title-and-expedite-purchase-application","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6665005-8e1e694e4ce79e53525edacf76203d8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156589&Signature=ac6lmHYwjYsV88Y1Uv25hkStZKocngYBPdNEUbIsuPyQPohn5mMPHVO5vBxai6YBcrWSzKstMpAAnEiComZ~DW7XTvbgJ4AmY~zUSLrYqjsDwyqYZ0C2oAC7dMoYlwAgTaVFyuYg6q-2XH0NvrSqE50ogeKNHCbGyawLINkoWXxT8a6RnU2~xc6ULlArpHiMpF4HJTazzAFYMtaB4L1~nIIYq2tGCj6T6B4OehY9gXBVyR7JDnnuDZIuLzwpkdTHj8fNJkJwwe4vZZDShIyZ6zhB1n8XSb58KCmyrb2kHIWnLDrPSneBqHr~DafY~3SGJOHNnRyKRUa2hpHowCNYjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Task Force Created by Act 170","date","2025-02-21T03:03:45.037Z","article","Protectors of an ancient Hawaiian burial site in Wailupe (the east end of Waikīkī, Oʻahu) urged the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board to support acquisition and long‑term stewardship of the 2.9‑acre property that contains at least four registered gravesites.

At the Feb. 20 meeting, Heilani Sonora Palle (representing the Wailupe protectors) described lengthy efforts to secure preservation through the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund and said the landowner supports preservation but may sell if the process is not completed soon. The group said it paid for an archaeological inventory study and has sought a title holder able to apply for public‑funding support; the City and County suggested OHA could be a potential title holder.

Why it matters: The parcel is registered with the State Historic Preservation Division and advocates said the property contains kupuna remains and cultural resources. The group asked OHA to partner on or hold title to enable a timely application and to ensure long-term stewardship that would honor lineal descendants and community use.

Administration response and next steps

Trustee Souza and OHA staff met with the city land division and the protectors; administration said it would follow up with county staff to confirm zoning or other title‑related questions (the county had suggested conservation designation and other mechanisms to reduce tax/transfer barriers). The group asked that OHA proceed quickly because the current landowner’s willingness to preserve may be time-limited.

Ending note

Trustees expressed general support and administration said it would continue discussions with the city and the Wailupe protectors to determine whether OHA can feasibly accept title or otherwise support the acquisition and stewardship of the parcel.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/20/2025 OHA Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A community group asked OHA to accept title or otherwise participate in an acquisition to protect an ancient burial site in Wailupe (Waikīkī East); group said it has submitted applications for Clean Water and Natural Lands funding and seeks OHA help to complete the preservation transaction before the landowner sells.","taxTitle","Task Force Created by Act 170, Executive , Hawaii","taxId",26072,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6665010,"OHA board approves staff positions on multiple legislative matrices; public voices opposition to lump-sum public land settlement",2652,6811000,9463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32&start=6811&end=9463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32/thumbnail_6811000.jpg","/articles/6665010/Hawaii/OHA-board-approves-staff-positions-on-multiple-legislative-matrices-public-voices-opposition-to-lump-sum-public-land-settlement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6665010-0d9af629bea1f7815766d4b16c83ce98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156589&Signature=PXL~A8qOZn-wPTwmVttg9nJ-XvmV~cXZgkH-4DdQqnfXsVU6U~DTHDCKtkBGg4K~-vEP34j0w3ldyspQRdl3KilKiHntkLYvkyw7VSi5kHc-SWam-bJ5R2SsfTyXvhm5oFiUpurd5QxzvxamVLG10Gn-WaKxU8HHOKHV~T-ao4nEuBOfbBQMMqM0bWNbJZvv1u0Se3ZXJLftc-nIKk1JcsisDnMkA-9PEvmQEg7cHfvlzoPTtuDJpT0F88kpFpAejJTDCAuYonpuYi~F5dQTaZe12yPhF39Rdvh-hfCx6fcJ3Sojp3N9MY3EfA~DgmEBss~zy-2a3ZZdejl6sP9P2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board on Feb. 20 approved staff recommendations on a series of legislative matrices that set OHA positions on bills across a broad set of policy areas: public land trust, natural resources and traditional practices, housing, health, education, economic development and HRS Chapter 6E (historic preservation).

Board action

Trustees voted to adopt staff recommendations for matrices 2–9 by roll call; most votes recorded were unanimous by trustees present. The motions directed OHA staff to take the positions reflected in each matrix as the Legislature considered bills.

Public testimony and an issue to watch

A public testifier and beneficiary advocate, Jermaine (Germaine) Myers, spoke to Senate Bill 903 (a proposal described in testimony as a possible “global master settlement” to convert future public land trust pro‑rata income into a one‑time payment). Myers urged OHA to oppose any shift from perpetual pro‑rata payments to a lump-sum settlement, warning a one-time payout could compromise future beneficiary income and likening the risk to other organizations that exhausted lump-sum assets.

Why it matters: matrices set OHA’s official positions for legislative testimony and guide staff legal review. The public comments highlighted a fault line between two approaches: preserve annual trust income streams in perpetuity versus pursuing a single settlement with immediate large cash proceeds.

What comes next

Administration and trustees said OHA staff will continue to monitor bills and report back; trustees also asked for continued public engagement and to ensure the board is aware of bills that could materially change the structure of the public land trust or OHA’s long-term revenue streams.

Ending note

The board’s approval of matrices consolidates OHA’s formal legislative stances for the current session; public testimony on the global settlement concept underscores the political sensitivity of any proposal that would convert ongoing trust income into a singular payout.","The Board voted to adopt staff recommendations on matrices 2–9 (positions on bills affecting the public land trust, natural resources, housing, health, education, economic development and HRS chapter 6E). Public testimony included calls to oppose any proposal to convert the public land trust’s pro‑rata income into a one‑time global settlement.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6665015,"OHA delegation reports from Tacoma: regional kitchens, aquaculture and possible MOUs with DHHL and CTAHR",704,756000,1460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32&start=756&end=1460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32/thumbnail_756000.jpg","/articles/6665015/Hawaii/OHA-delegation-reports-from-Tacoma-regional-kitchens-aquaculture-and-possible-MOUs-with-DHHL-and-CTAHR","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6665015-cae8bf4633cf727ff3581cfe19be2fa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156589&Signature=iMf2Jox63bVaw9-p~YybAwSPVZX4XbeO6eb3x8OpCRQc9IYAX9LwhItyuYIw9yBFOki1TuvIGt0FFmnTeHqZ3crAQV41ULyrzC9C63WCbZFsRPB28mSWVhwb-FqEGArNjKljT4-yqEK3wBUhxPnptGYA1m-oHiYwu1I8Jy3maVQukEasVMJdO-Lp6vnHsc53qhLACQAZuNqtIubmPeH9g~HF8wndhOn8XIh8PfUJoUqFiJNMnjM5S3GN2sl8sb6mCeoosE-BXHFpyEeFPmjD712~dJTDLEgaI1AMu0z-435g7a4v5dlwnyGsFFl1g6BVUxpTqFwhltYXtQRFNx67Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","OHA administration reported on a recent leadership trip to Tacoma, Washington, that included visits to a regional central kitchen and the Suquamish tribe’s seafood operations. Administration described potential economic models and partnership opportunities that could inform OHA plans for agricultural production, food processing and aquaculture in Hawaiʻi.

Trip highlights

- Bethel Central Kitchen: delegation observed a model that sources local ingredients for large-scale meal programs; administration noted the state feeds approximately 164,000 meals a day and a nearby regional kitchen’s first phase has a 70,000‑meal goal. The visit underscored opportunities to create stable markets for local farmers (schools, hospitals, corrections, health-care institutions).

- Suquamish Seafood: the tribe’s aquaculture and processing operations—cultivating geoduck, clams and other commodities—were presented as a multimillion-dollar revenue generator. Administration discussed community ownership models and workforce pipelines; staff described a potential model where OHA or DHHL could hold a minority ownership stake with community ownership participation.

- Partnerships and MOUs: administration said preliminary discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) could lead to MOUs that provide land-agent support, training, workforce development and potential revenue-generator pilots for OHA lands in Wahiawa (Whitmore lands).

Why it matters: administration emphasized that OHA holds over 500 acres of ag lands in Wahiawa that are largely not in production; developing local procurement and processing markets, plus workforce pathways, could create steady demand and reduce risk for farmers and new ag ventures on OHA lands.

What comes next

Administration said staff will draft MOUs with CTAHR and DHHL and return to the board with conceptual plans, including a Kukani Loco local master plan that would incorporate ag production and value‑added processing. Trustees asked for further briefings as MOUs and project concepts are developed.

Ending note

Trustees generally welcomed the enterprise-oriented approach and asked administration to continue coordinating with University and DHHL partners and return with specific MOUs and actionable next steps.","OHA leaders who visited Tacoma described site visits to a regional central kitchen and a tribal seafood operation; they flagged opportunities for ag production on OHA lands in Wahiawa, workforce development partnerships and potential MOUs with the University of Hawaii CTAHR and DHHL.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6665018,"OHA staff warn of grants and sponsorship backlog; board approves Prince Kuhio and Molokai festival sponsorships",5519,492000,6011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32&start=492&end=6011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32/thumbnail_492000.jpg","/articles/6665018/Hawaii/OHA-staff-warn-of-grants-and-sponsorship-backlog-board-approves-Prince-Kuhio-and-Molokai-festival-sponsorships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6665018-b69e56d8ebbfd494512e2f593c1eb54b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156589&Signature=RRNuy9fGCJfUSKD3-WpBUjx~1R8CG5JjRnzwKnM~bnqEfGFmmnXp~mtVzVn8qNyLFEiDBcIyhE2UlCXEIFAdBi0SPGBeAhB3u6xGqpA37HvGSemkr8ztMiyNuTwoseqHjfaw~Fv~m-SHB56gWIMjQTfVNqvAsOn8dN3wP1x0MBTw53uciJ98~qV6z8gOyv7iprc4tQ4P9KPAQ4u640eof7K3EHXThNvnzxX84fa36zkT4EN0lDgsViodg1fPmjqKC4OO1HlUQ-iMbpZ0AJR4QfgRs34qolJ09BisMghNESXvpiPEC80tBk9faRsWvUk-C6eRU7e9gPB3U0DSzPPC3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs administration told trustees on Feb. 20 that dozens of outstanding purchase requests and delayed grants put a material amount of funding at risk of lapsing, and the board approved two event sponsorships for Prince Kūhiō commemorations on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi.

Summary of approvals

- Waianae Coast Community Foundation — $9,000 for the sixth annual Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole festival on March 22, 2025. The board approved the sponsorship by roll call vote (7 yes).

- Hoʻolehua Homesteaders Association — $1,500 for the Prince Kūhiō event on Molokaʻi on March 22, 2025. The board approved the sponsorship by roll call vote (7 yes); Trustee Lindsey seconded the motion.

Why it matters: administration said a batch of outstanding purchase requests (PRs) and contracts—some approved in previous budgets—have not been converted into purchase orders (POs) and risk expiring. At least one administration official urged the board that converting PRs to POs before June is a priority to ensure funds reach intended community recipients.

Administration’s briefing and numbers

Kehaopuʻu (COO) briefed trustees on sponsorships and grants and identified 35 open PRs; he said 11 of those total roughly $1.6 million and “if not converted to POs by June will lapse,” and urged work to convert eligible PRs to POs and complete procurement and contracting steps.

Administration described its current capacity constraints: the grants team has three grants officers managing 80-plus grants; multiple vacancies have required temporary hires and cross‑division assistance. Administration said three of six sponsorship PRs from a prior biennium can be paid immediately once procurement converts PRs to POs; for other awards staff must gather missing documentation or confirm event details.

Board direction and next steps

Trustees asked that administration produce an updated schedule for converting at-risk PRs into POs and recommended short-term staffing support as needed to prevent lapsed funds. Administration said it would provide updates and aims to process the top grants for April start dates and to present a broader status update at a future board meeting.

Community testimony

Two members of the public testified in support of community events and asked OHA to be present in the community beyond funding. Testifier Germaine Myers urged OHA to increase on-the-ground engagement in West Oʻahu and Molokaʻi events to strengthen ties with beneficiaries.

Ending note

Trustees approved the two festival sponsorships and directed administration to accelerate procurement work so funded community programs can draw down awarded amounts before the fiscal-year deadlines.","Administration told trustees that 35 purchase requests remain and 11 could lapse by June if not converted to purchase orders; trustees approved two Prince Kuhio festival sponsorships for Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and pressed administration to move remaining grants and contracts forward.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6665024,"OHA selects Quantum performance platform, board forms ad hoc committee to review staff salaries",10994,1701000,12695000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32&start=1701&end=12695","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2366601-e7a4fca93b40db1e83857458b380ee32/thumbnail_1701000.jpg","/articles/6665024/Hawaii/OHA-selects-Quantum-performance-platform-board-forms-ad-hoc-committee-to-review-staff-salaries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6665024-7924d64ab0538efc75ede43980ea8967/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156589&Signature=LiooOhil1fwrEs-FkaeNP0JU23-0LTujZM5q6DYqxEs7qFteedKc3DbQ7VxXrLli-B3rR2mja2RuVcy3WL57jg6aAJ72WY3qILzRy2nZ0NBmC06XM2GIR8xZiM5ANcEMmeKUm4qtgPPSgspZ7ktX-WzO-L0otY1uQVmyyYfHOMa5sxQk~6B2P0ckCjxmcymFOAbXPzwI4N65P900knNK19qvznv~2KA3ofxm1ht90ynCd879AuXBIrLMIctO5CREtzorXhpJ-M~lr8~dSPXkU8sYrGFZiP5JE3idH3ZRHXTj9MbjJYAlTptoipAkaSUUit1e~wNX6BcmEd0wfjEhgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board on Feb. 20 voted to create a short-term ad hoc committee to examine current OHA staff salaries and deliver recommendations for the fiscal 2026–27 biennium budget, and administrators said the agency has selected the Quantum performance management platform and will pilot it this spring.

The board approved formation of the ad hoc group by a 6–1 vote. Trustee Keoni Souza moved the measure; the motion names Trustee Souza as chair, Trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey as vice chair, and Cory Nakamoto, OHA director of human resources, as the administration representative. The committee’s term ends when it completes the assignment or by May 2, 2025, whichever comes first.

Why it matters: OHA trustees and staff framed the package of work—performance management, clearer expectations, and a compensation review—as linked. Administration officials told the board that a consistent performance system is needed to tie merit increases to documented performance; trustees said they want to participate in setting pay policy and reviewing recommended changes before the board adopts a new salary plan.

Key facts and timeline

- Quantum vendor chosen: administration said it selected the Quantum platform and began configuration work. Cory Nakamoto described a pilot “from March through June” to test the system and allow adjustments before a planned organization-wide rollout in late summer (administration target: training and phased rollout in August/September).

- Typical cycle described: goal-setting and calibration at the start of the year, monthly or regular check-ins captured in the system, a midyear review and a formal end-of-year appraisal that would feed into merit-pay decisions.

- Compensation review: administration said salary adjustments are a separate but paired process; staff will seek to address market relativity, re-level positions where needed and build merit-based increases tied to ratings produced by the new performance system.

- Ad hoc committee charge and members: examine current OHA staff salaries and make recommendations to the board for the FY2026–27 biennium. Trustee Souza (chair), Trustee Lindsay (vice chair), and Cory Nakamoto (HR) were listed as members in the motion.

What trustees said

Trustees emphasized both urgency and process. Several trustees said pay equity, retention and recruitment are the board’s priorities and urged administration and the ad hoc committee to coordinate so the board can review a recommendation in time for the biennium budget process. Some trustees urged caution that the board’s role is governance and that the CEO and HR must continue to lead the technical work; others argued trustee involvement in the salary review would provide transparency and reassure long‑tenured staff.

Administration comments

Stacy (Kapohana/CEO) framed the work as two interlocking efforts: “the performance management system is what creates the clarity” administrators need to assess and reward merit, she told trustees, and emphasized salary and performance work must proceed together. Cory Nakamoto (HR) described the Quantum pilot plan and the platform’s ability to cascade goals and document check‑ins, ratings and development.

What happens next

The ad hoc committee is expected to complete its review and present recommendations to the board in the spring, on a schedule intended to inform the trustees’ biennium budget decisions. Administration said it will continue its vendor configuration, testing and training work and will provide periodic updates to trustees during the rollout.

Ending note

Trustees and staff agreed on the central goal—improve recruitment, retention and clarity of expectations—while debating how best to divide oversight between the board and executive leadership. The ad hoc committee will submit its recommendations ahead of the board’s budget decision deadlines.","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs administration said it has selected the Quantum platform and will pilot a performance management system March–June with a full rollout targeted for August; the board voted to form an ad hoc committee to examine staff salaries and return recommendations to the board before the biennium budget is finalized.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Protectors of Wailupe burial site ask OHA to hold title and expedite purchase application

OHA board approves staff positions on multiple legislative matrices; public voices opposition to lump-sum public land settlement

OHA delegation reports from Tacoma: regional kitchens, aquaculture and possible MOUs with DHHL and CTAHR

OHA staff warn of grants and sponsorship backlog; board approves Prince Kuhio and Molokai festival sponsorships

OHA selects Quantum performance platform, board forms ad hoc committee to review staff salaries