In a recent meeting of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), significant concerns were raised regarding the organization's upper administration and its impact on advocacy efforts for Native Hawaiians. A former employee, who spoke passionately about their experiences, highlighted what they described as a \"high degree of incompetence\" within the administration, particularly criticizing the prolonged employment of an interim HR director whose qualifications were questioned. This individual claimed that critical decisions made during this period adversely affected numerous staff members and potential hires.

The speaker recounted their own termination from OHA, which they attributed to a lack of investigation into the circumstances surrounding their dismissal. They expressed frustration over being labeled unethical and dishonest, asserting that their integrity was unjustly called into question. The speaker emphasized the need for accountability within the organization, questioning how many others might be facing similar injustices.

Furthermore, the speaker addressed the organizational structure of OHA's advocacy division, which is intended to serve as a powerful tool for promoting the welfare of Native Hawaiians. They argued that the division is currently ineffective, likening it to a \"blunted weapon\" misused by those in charge. They recounted their efforts to rebuild the advocacy division during their tenure, only to see it decline under the current leadership.

The speaker also criticized OHA's failure to respond to a significant issue involving a foreign developer's luxury project on a prominent Hawaiian beach, stating that the organization neglected to provide necessary testimony on the matter. They called for a reevaluation of the administration's priorities and urged trustees to either improve their performance or allow more capable individuals to take charge.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater transparency and effectiveness in OHA's advocacy efforts, underscoring the need for the organization to fulfill its mission to support Native Hawaiians. The concerns raised reflect a broader sentiment among beneficiaries regarding the administration's ability to address historical injustices and advocate effectively for the community's needs.