OHA approves move to phase 2 due diligence on proposed Waimanalo land transfer

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Investment and Land Management Committee voted to advance to phase 2 of due diligence on a proposed transfer of Waimanalo parcels from the State Department of Agriculture to OHA, approving the motion by a 9-0 roll-call vote.

The board approved a motion to authorize the CEO to delegate to OHA administration authority to undertake phase 2 due-diligence activities for the proposed land transfer, “execute and/or procure all necessary agreements, instruments, applications, and other appropriate documents necessary for due diligence,” and to take other reasonable actions to implement those steps. Trustee Souza moved the motion; Trustee Ulitaire seconded.

The vote moves the process into a fact-finding and engagement phase. OHA administration told the board that the phase-2 authorization is limited to further study and that "this is by no means the board taking any action on this," adding that subsequent steps would include community and stakeholder engagement. Trustee Uhuna said, "I'll be voting yes to continue this…