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Public commenters allege nepotism and secret casino talks; call for renewed focus on Hawaiian sovereignty
Summary
During public testimony at the Dec. 4, 2024, OHA board meeting, speakers raised accusations about trustee staff hires and private discussions with a tribal casino proposer, and urged the board to prioritize Hawaiian sovereignty.
Public commenters at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 4, 2024, raised allegations about internal hiring practices and private meetings regarding a proposed casino, and urged the board to keep Hawaiian sovereignty and beneficiary interests central to its work.
Jermaine Myers, who identified himself as an OHA beneficiary advocate and a Nanakuli Hawaiian homestead lessee, told trustees that “nepotism by Chair Hulu” had allowed two trustees to keep daughters in paid positions by moving them to different trustee offices after a nepotism rule took effect in July 2023. Myers said the positions paid ‘‘$50,000 plus benefits’’ and alleged that two trustees met privately with representatives of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to discuss a casino proposal outside a joint committee meeting. He also said, attributing a claim he heard from a former vice chair, that two trustees met privately with Governor Green to request support for the proposal to swap OHA’s Kaka‘ako Makai lands for the Hawaii Convention Center.
Myers framed those statements as concerns he has raised about past and current leadership practices and said he will continue to advocate for beneficiaries and “pono leadership.” He described Chair Lindsey as someone who “maintains decorum, order, and diplomacy” amid criticism.
Renette Carlson, a longtime attendee who said she worked on Native Hawaiian roll efforts, spoke about Hawaiian sovereignty and urged trustees to prioritize sovereignty and the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians. She thanked previous efforts by the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, Kamehameha Schools and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and asked the board to act with urgency on sovereignty matters.
Senator Curt Favella provided public remarks in support of Trustee Kai Kahele, recounting shared experiences and urging unity; his remarks did not reference the allegations raised by Myers.
The board did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting. Trustees and staff acknowledged public comments and proceeded with nominations and votes on board leadership.
