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OHA presents FY26 budget briefing: counsel flags legal spending pressure; research hires and land projects outlined
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Summary
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Corporate Counsel warned trustees that legal services spending may require a FY26 realignment; Research & Evaluation reported hires, data systems work and a postponed statewide survey to prioritize storm relief; Resource Management outlined leasing performance and capital projects.
Trustees received an informational FY26 budget briefing that grouped updates from Corporate Counsel, Research & Evaluation, and Resource Management.
Everett Buta, general counsel for OHA, opened the briefing by describing the Corporate Counsel Office's role providing in‑house legal services across the agency and managing outside counsel when specialized work is required. He said large portions of the legal services budget have been encumbered by contracts for direct legal services and specialized investigations and that the remaining FY26 balance in the legal services line is about $30,000.
"The remaining amount of $30,000 is provided in FY26, and it is probably insufficient to cover what might be unanticipated expenses," Buta said, noting that outlays for third‑party investigations and litigation support have accelerated spending on that line and that his office may seek a realignment or contract amendment if needed.
Trustees asked about major outside vendors and legacy contracts. Buta named a set of firms providing ongoing support — including litigation, employment, real estate and public land trust expertise — and said counsel is working to close out older contracts and bring procurement into alignment with state rules.
Research & Evaluation staff (Carla Hostetter) summarized hiring and systems work: three R&E analyst hires are recommended and a part‑time administrative assistant has been filled; a new research systems program and GIS analyst were added; Papakilo collection acquisitions and a Native Hawaiian data book redesign are proceeding; and the 2026 statewide well‑being survey release was delayed so staff could focus resources on Koa Loam storm relief.
Resource Management (presenter Daniel Sandmeier) described stewardship of OHA's legacy and commercial lands under HRS chapter 10, outlined FY26 and FY27 spending priorities for investment lands and legacy projects, and reported leasing outcomes (NLK about 94% occupancy; Kaka MacKay Lot L roughly 75% leased). He said the division is pursuing joint‑venture and LLC structures and continuing due diligence on property acquisitions and redevelopment opportunities.
The briefing included Q&A on potential FY27 budget increases for legal services and confirmation that remaining FY26 contract balances could be reallocated to prioritized projects if unused by working groups. No formal budget realignments were voted on during the session; questions and potential requests for future action were recorded for follow up.
