Trustees approve Phase 2 due diligence for Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana transfer; residents urge fixes to leases and housing

The Island, Land & Management Committee authorized Phase 2 due diligence for a proposed transfer of Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana parcels on Oʻahu to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and amended the motion to remove a duplicative appropriation previously approved by the Budget & Finance Committee.

Multiple public speakers from Kahana described decades-long stewardship and said many residents lack leases or clear successorship, which prevents them from getting home improvement loans. Kupuna and longtime residents said they have waited for recognition since the 1960s and called for the “land board to clean up their act” so any transfer to OHA will be “pono.” One kupuna testified she and others have lived with leaking homes and lack basic repair authority because leases or probate obligations are unresolved.

Public commenter Germaine Myers reiterated that the Phase 1 packet lacked core financial information — operating costs, capital improvement projections and funding mechanisms — and asked whether the packet’s mention of gaming meant OHA or the communities would pursue gaming revenues. Trustees limited testimony to the agenda and administration staff pushed back on items outside the packet’s scope, but acknowledged the public’s concerns.

Chair Kaniela Kahele moved to amend the proposed action by removing item number 3 (an appropriation) because it had been handled earlier in the day by Budget & Finance; trustees seconded and approved the motion by roll call. Administration staff said Phase 2 will require community meetings, third-party assessments and procurement, and estimated a six-to-12-month window depending on the conveyance route and additional work required.

The vote authorized staff to pursue Phase 2 studies; it did not convey title or make any commitments about future management or funding beyond the due diligence scope.