OHA Trustees Face Salary Disparity Concerns Among Leadership Positions

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is facing scrutiny over salary disparities among its leadership following a recent Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. The current Chief of Staff, appointed by Chair Kahele, now earns a salary of $170,000, making her the second highest-paid employee at OHA, just behind the CEO. This decision has raised questions about the management structure and accountability within the organization.

In comparison, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) earns $165,000, despite overseeing more staff and responsibilities. This notable pay gap has sparked concerns among trustees and beneficiaries about who is truly managing OHA's operations. The COO, who is accountable to all nine trustees, appears to be overshadowed by the Chief of Staff, who reports only to Chair Kahele.

Historical context reveals that under previous leadership, salaries were more evenly distributed. For instance, the former CEO and COO earned $170,000 and $140,000, respectively, with other senior positions receiving significantly lower salaries. The current situation raises critical questions about the rationale behind the Chief of Staff's elevated salary and the implications for OHA's governance.

Trustees and community members are calling for clarity and respect in the decision-making process, emphasizing the need for equitable compensation that reflects the responsibilities held by each position. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that OHA operates transparently and effectively for the benefit of its beneficiaries.