OHA Board of Trustees plans community meeting and site visit in Maui

The recent meeting of the Committee on Budget and Finance of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees highlighted the board's critical role in managing the agency's fiduciary responsibilities. The board is tasked with setting policies and overseeing the management of both financial and land assets that constitute the trust, ensuring they are handled prudently.

The meeting took place at Nalama Kukui in Honolulu, with plans for the board to visit the neighbor islands, starting with Maui next week. This annual visit is part of the board's commitment to engage with communities across Hawaii, reinforcing its connection to the people it serves.

The board operates through three standing committees, each focusing on different aspects of governance. The Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment Committee, chaired by Trustee Galateria, emphasizes legislative advocacy in areas such as health, education, and housing, aiming to protect the rights and entitlements of Native Hawaiians. The Budget and Finance Committee, led by Trustee Alapa, is responsible for setting the fiscal budget for the upcoming biennium, ensuring proper oversight and planning for OHA's trust funds. Lastly, the Investment and Land Management Committee, chaired by Trustee Souza, oversees the agency's financial assets, including real estate and global market securities, managing a trust fund currently valued at approximately $595 million.

OHA was established in 1978 through a constitutional mandate from the people of Hawaii, with its first board convening in 1980. This historical context underscores the board's ongoing commitment to its mission and the importance of its financial stewardship in supporting the Native Hawaiian community. As the board continues its work, the implications of its decisions will resonate throughout the islands, impacting the lives of many.