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