Papahanaumokuakea cultural working group urges OHA support as protections face external challenges

A longstanding cultural working group for Papahanaumokuakea briefed Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees on the group’s history, its contributions to co‑management and current threats to international protections.

Pelika Andrade, co‑chair of the Papahanaumokuakea Cultural Working Group (presenting as part of Namaka Onaona), outlined the group’s role advising management of Papahanaumokuakea, its work on nomenclature and cultural plans, and its role supporting research, voyaging and field crews. Andrade noted that the group helped secure a Native Hawaiian plan for the monument and supported visitor‑site projects, species stewardship and cultural briefings used by field teams.

Andrade warned trustees of “threats and protections being challenged by the current administration” and said commercial fishing and other external pressures required the working group to shift some volunteer time toward advocacy and legal readiness. Andrade said the group is coordinating with Earthjustice and other conservation and Native Hawaiian organizations on possible legal and advocacy responses. She asked OHA to remain an active co‑manager and to provide sustained administrative and budgetary support so the working group can participate in both janitorial/fieldwork and necessary advocacy.

Trustees and OHA CEO acknowledged past tensions and confirmed OHA’s commitment to re‑engage as a convening organization; OHA administration said it had agreed to resume supporting the working group and to consider funding and staffing options to sustain the group’s activities.

Ending: Andrade asked trustees to anticipate future requests for administrative support and signatory participation on management documents; trustees signaled willingness to deepen OHA’s convening and funding role for Papahanaumokuakea work.