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OHA trustees approve Phase 2 due diligence for proposed transfer of Kaneʻolumahiau Complex (Koloa, Kauaʻi)
Summary
After public testimony urging more financial detail and community involvement, OHA trustees voted to authorize Phase 2 due diligence for a proposed land transfer of the Kaneʻolumahiau Complex in Koloa, Kauaʻi, and amended the proposed action to remove a duplicative budget appropriation previously adopted by the Budget & Finance committee.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Island, Land & Management Committee on Wednesday approved Phase 2 due diligence activities for a proposed transfer of the Kaneʻolumahiau Complex in Kōloa, Kauaʻi, to OHA.
Jermaine Myers, a beneficiary advocate and lessee, told trustees the Phase 1 packet lacked critical financial detail. “Financials, risk, benefits, 1, 5, 10 year capital projection management, operation cost, funding mechanisms, and limitations” were missing, Myers said, and asked if OHA could obtain ten years of financials and CIP records from the county or the current steward to understand long-term obligations.
Members of HUI and Kauaʻi community stewards urged preservation and restoration. A community speaker described archaeological features and burial vaults on the site and said local internships and restoration work are planned; another noted support from the Kauaʻi mayor’s office and the stewardship work that HUI has performed for about 20 years.
Trustees amended the recommended action to remove proposed action item number 3 — an appropriation — noting the Budget & Finance committee had already addressed that item earlier in the day. Chair Kaniela Kahele said the amendment simply removes a duplicative budget provision so the motion would only authorize Phase 2 due diligence. Trustees then approved the amended motion by roll call.
Administration staff told trustees Phase 2 will involve community meetings, procurement of third-party contractors for assessments (surveys, reports and studies), and regular updates to trustees through the ILM committee. Staff estimated Phase 2 could take roughly six months to a year depending on the transfer pathway and the need for additional studies.
The motion does not transfer title or finalize any conveyance; it directs OHA staff to undertake studies and prepare agreements needed to inform any future trustee decisions.
