[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6628457,"mediaKeyId","2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd","parentId",2716718,"title","OHA trustees debate bylaws language; approve liaison and staffing edits, reject removing 'chief' from administrator title","audioSeconds",2620,"startMs",1100000,"endMs",3720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd&start=1100&end=3720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd/thumbnail_1100000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6628457/Hawaii/OHA-trustees-debate-bylaws-language-approve-liaison-and-staffing-edits-reject-removing-chief-from-administrator-title","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628457-7bbda2a627a97eb41e43c2d2790e802f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162552&Signature=hj8mJh5jkxRN9hHRVUG~xbWMRaRCuW3RGgbPvyQed-qp4ykericgSB3G7eTQBxbnsTD2NQw97qmRhlj9xAe84CqlMTf2B2EzNtUh6HyaQHnrXmBsZ0athwAmc4JtIGSv1siJlm1HS1Cqajw1YavrD9dIWrRGrTIdEDmTBLZwOm4uJdLiZt7xP0CSE4bnfBRsLc3e-BH1qRS850wFrgdV7KBI~Vwa1YHANlEMaIzzXS-wf0NF2Kos~dYdcc~GeZ6hcvqVmCkP5DoQI31RLHZhvyRE7b1UMBQ9eF5BvQ6bJeQoxT4Oolazq5apD3fioJPgDDsenIrlDPR-D3JoaTUc2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Task Force Created by Act 170","date","2025-03-20T22:53:50.957Z","article","At its March 20 meeting, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees took up the second reading of proposed revisions to the board bylaws intended to align OHA policy language with Hawaii law and the state Sunshine Law.

Trustees debated several specific edits and voted on amendments. The board approved, by roll call, an amendment to clarify the chairperson’s liaison role as “serve as a primary liaison with elected officials of county, state, and federal governments and other agencies and organizations” (vote: 8 yes). Trustees also voted to add language expanding the board secretary’s duties into the chief of staff’s position description (vote: 8 yes). A separate amendment to remove the word “chief” from the sentence “the administrator shall function as the chief executive officer” failed (vote: 5 yes, 3 no), leaving that phrasing in the draft.

Why it matters: the bylaws are the board’s foundational governance document. Trustees said the draft updates are intended to bring OHA into alignment with Chapter 10 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and with Sunshine Law requirements, and to modernize descriptions of board officers and staff duties.

Discussion highlights
- Chair Kahele framed the changes as a technical and statutory alignment with HRS Chapter 10 and Sunshine Law, noting the revisions cover succession, committee agenda approval, testifier rules and other procedural matters.
- Trustee Akaka proposed multiple edits (county liaison language, staff‑description changes and others) and asked that the board vote on them separately.
- Trustee Acosta (spoke under the name “Trustee Acosta” in the record) argued in favor of retaining the phrase “administrator shall function as the chief executive officer,” saying the CEO title helps with external recognition and recruitment.
- Everett Ota, interim corporation counsel, explained that some of the expanded staff duties were drawn from existing position descriptions and the chair directed more descriptive listings be included in the draft.

What trustees decided (selected votes)
- Amendment to identify the chair’s primary liaison role with elected officials at county, state and federal levels: passed by roll call, 8‑0.
- Amendment to incorporate language from the board secretary role into the chief of staff’s position description: passed by roll call, 8‑0.
- Amendment to remove the word “chief” from the sentence describing the administrator as a CEO (change intended to read “administrator shall function as the executive officer”): failed, 5‑3 (a 2/3 supermajority of trustees is required to adopt bylaw changes).

Next steps and process points
Trustees emphasized that bylaw revisions require a supermajority (two‑thirds) under the board’s rules to adopt. Multiple speakers noted that adopting bylaw language will trigger additional updates across OHA materials (for example, the executive policy manual and operations manuals) to ensure consistent titles and delegations of authority. Several trustees said they intend to continue reconciling wording across those documents after the bylaws move forward.

Attribution (selected speakers who took substantive part in this item): Chair Kahele (Board chair); Trustee Akaka; Trustee Acosta; Trustee Akina; Trustee Alapa; Trustee Galluteria; Trustee Lindsay; Everett Ota (Interim Corporation Counsel).

Ending
Trustees discussed proceeding by considering each proposed amendment on its own and noted that some outstanding drafting and alignment work remains for the executive policy manual and other governance documents. No single consolidated final adoption of the full revised bylaws is recorded in the transcript as completed at the close of the discussion; the record shows votes on the individual amendments described above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","3/20/2025 OHA Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 20 meeting, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees held the second reading of proposed bylaws revisions intended to align OHA policies with state law and Sunshine Law and voted on several targeted amendments.","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},6628448,"OHA staff outline modernization plan for Hawaiian Registry program; propose equipment and system upgrades",457,7083000,7540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd&start=7083&end=7540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd/thumbnail_7083000.jpg","/articles/6628448/Hawaii/OHA-staff-outline-modernization-plan-for-Hawaiian-Registry-program-propose-equipment-and-system-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628448-cf15cf12acb12497b672596de659b70e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162552&Signature=Bv9JRaD4a70DFS~rTPf2lL9eO8G4rBHs6IPJuPmBk-vy~tXxCiHY~JUCPk5KhpGQXr6XRlhL0Xl--cC5rv8LHIuCc-6-IMv9I6hx4m9ruWIQt7CbhQYH54fYdoGqM9~5ZX05USmOfZJtBotQAhzIZzLkt0v-jIDJg83dQ~2tlQ4Rl3JjC~wLhS~Zez~PTdaLUDlPKO1~oy~354ibAZCoFNFAdG4aNTDeOpK2Vmift6xJma1ZvN1mOw5WHwJbcxKMqXE2M1jioQIAmuuA1XpNX3Nl-AmkY8be0TDWIpGItAIQYHs1E6-rrqgJfOzokMGx-bTXqoNi4eyedHMftnPDgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Office of Hawaiian Affairs staff told trustees on March 20 that the Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) is operating on aging systems and limited staffing and that administration plans upgrades and modest equipment purchases to improve service.

Program background and current state
Benefits‑services manager Ilima (full name reported in the meeting packet) explained that OHA’s registry is intended to document native Hawaiian ancestry and that the program—created in the early 2000s—has registrants worldwide. The registry currently lists roughly 41,000 people, staff said. The application process requires a birth certificate showing ancestry and an ID; applicants must submit paperwork by email or mail under the current process because the registration system is not an online, fillable form and the agency lacks a modern upload workflow.

Staff said there is no dedicated HRP position (the role was eliminated in 2021) and printing/issuance machines that once existed in multiple island offices were centralized, reducing outreach capacity. OHA staff described limited ability to do community sign‑ups at conventions and events under the current workflow.

Planned changes discussed
- System upgrade: staff said they will work with the vendor (JEVCO) to modernize the registry, including a web‑fillable application and document upload capability (budget request to support the upgrade has been placed).
- Equipment: staff proposed adding printing machines to island offices to support in‑person registration; trustees discussed a budget item for machines at about $6,000 each and recommended prioritizing locations (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and possibly Kauai) and mobile deployment for events.
- Renewals: staff proposed eliminating the five‑year renewal requirement, and instead allowing registrants to update contact information when appropriate; the board was supportive of reducing duplication in processing.
- Outreach and incentives: public comments and trustees suggested adding incentives (discounts with local businesses), partnerships with community groups and a QR code on OHA communications to drive registrations.

Why it matters: staff said HRP cards are used by beneficiaries to qualify for programs that require demonstrated native Hawaiian ancestry (for example some workforce or housing programs, and partner programs such as those run by Alu Like) and that a more responsive registry both improves access and helps OHA better understand beneficiary geography and service needs.

Next steps
Staff said they will present a detailed upgrade plan and budget estimates to trustees and will pursue options for additional machines and mobile registration at community events. Trustees directed staff to include data‑collection considerations in the upgrade (for example the ability to report registrant counts by island or district) and to coordinate with communications on outreach, including the use of QR codes and event sign‑ups.

Speakers on this item: Benefits services manager Ilima (presenter), Kapuhana (OHA CEO), and public commenter Jermaine Myers (Nanakuli community member).","OHA staff reported that the Hawaiian Registry Program is operating on an outdated, largely paper‑based system, serving roughly 41,000 registrants. Trustees were told staff will pursue system upgrades, add printing machines for island offices and remove the five‑year renewal requirement to speed processing.",{"_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},6628452,"Board authorizes 15‑member OHA delegation to Taputapuatea; chair authorized to sign agreements",197,3248000,3445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd&start=3248&end=3445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2716718-ce660773fec97a96213d0c58a27c9dbd/thumbnail_3248000.jpg","/articles/6628452/Hawaii/Board-authorizes-15member-OHA-delegation-to-Taputapuatea-chair-authorized-to-sign-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628452-344b09878b8b192b957d28d44bc9b69f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162552&Signature=HJrc-pnWR8QZIr-AOde9GZ~GnBy0VhBX32awcXqAoI5A1fBYN9KcynGZXnnAx97EXoBkQd5f8sRUNkbGnIZ96YzRtTYFC3kyvLLJBBBeJMEVe3VIx3TCK9BO-XUmqchBHPfSI0bt785RcGsLjJjgNYb6ngDxGN0ftNkbT-CvfTTsL~DptaHOTWPnnssJ3v~bbNadu61lBPg1YYVqIcFnEFAoPKfBfqTYaZl~HmK2axStjrAS2FCendmEH4qqZ2OgZ4d5wQsHJYAXEdnYfAxxuVr2ehWKMzxWKrYlqGsAkIEIQWJEfALQlS1UH8er7P2s5~~dH2elmtBsCQfWg7H57g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 20 to approve a 15‑member delegation to attend the Raro Matai festival at Taputapuatea, Raiatea, French Polynesia, in late July–early August 2025.

Trustee Russell Lindsey (mover) presented the motion asking the board to authorize a delegation of trustees, staff and cultural practitioners to join a Kamehameha Schools contingent at the festival and to engage with delegations from Aotearoa and Rapa Nui on culture, language, education, well‑being, climate and self‑determination. The board also authorized Chair Kahele to sign any formal agreements, memoranda of understanding or other documents necessary for OHA’s participation.

Why it matters: The festival coincides with the 50th anniversary voyage of Hokulea and includes regional cultural leaders. Trustees said the trip offers cultural and diplomatic exchanges that could support OHA’s work on language, education and well‑being programming.

Key details and funding
- Delegation size: 15 people, comprising trustees, staff, and recognized cultural practitioners and artisans.
- Dates: Trustees described the festival as a late‑July to early‑August 2025 event; exact festival program and calendar were described as pending from host communities.
- Location: Taputapuatea, Raiatea, French Polynesia (site of regional voyaging and ceremonial significance).
- Authorization: Chair Kahele was authorized to sign MOUs/agreements on OHA’s behalf.
- Funding and procurement: Trustees and staff said travel planning and procurement will occur in the FY‑2026 budget cycle; staff also reported there is some surplus in the current year’s travel budget. The board directed budget & finance staff to review funding and noted potential sponsorships and host‑community support that may reduce costs; no final appropriation was recorded at the meeting.

Discussion highlights
- Administration said the delegation will receive preparatory protocol and cultural briefings; training and protocol work will be required for participants.
- Trustees asked for measurable outcomes and return‑on‑investment information to be developed; staff said planning documents (including estimated budget, itinerary and requested sponsorships) would be shared with trustees.

Vote and next steps
The motion to approve the delegation and authorize the chair to sign required documents passed by roll call, 8‑0. Staff will finalize a proposed budget and procurement plan for review by the Budget & Finance Committee and seek sponsorships and cost share where available.

Attribution (selected speakers): Trustee Russell Lindsey (mover); Chair Kahele; Hailama Farden (Senior Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs); Trustee Whitehead; Trustee Aquino.

Ending
Trustees instructed staff to return with cost estimates, a proposed itinerary and a plan for selection and training of participants. The board’s authorization enables staff to proceed with formal planning and preliminary procurement steps.","The Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved a 15‑member delegation to attend the Raro Matai festival at Taputapuatea, Raiatea, in late July–early August 2025 and authorized the chair to sign related memoranda of understanding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OHA trustees debate bylaws language; approve liaison and staffing edits, reject removing 'chief' from administrator title

OHA staff outline modernization plan for Hawaiian Registry program; propose equipment and system upgrades

Board authorizes 15‑member OHA delegation to Taputapuatea; chair authorized to sign agreements