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Cultural Affairs requests funds for Lu Kahakai and flags need to track repatriated artifacts
Summary
The Hawaiian Cultural Affairs office reported the inaugural Lu Kahakai event cost about $13,654, requested a $6,000 contingency reallocation (total FY27 ask $16,000) and described plans for two Hawaiian‑language audiobooks; staff also warned of increased repatriation activity and recommended an inventory of returned artifacts and custodial arrangements.
Halama, senior director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs, told trustees that the inaugural Lu Kahakai event held Feb. 14 cost about $13,653.58 and asked the board to approve a reallocation of $6,000 to cover venue contingencies and to formalize a FY27 allocation of approximately $16,000 for future Lu Kahakai activities.
Halama also discussed a proposed audio‑book project to digitize two Hawaiian‑language works (estimated at $5,000 per title) and a smaller purchase of cultural reference books. He said the office had already purchased some reference books during FY26 and that the audio‑book work remains to be scoped and contracted; he offered to drop the second title if the pace of procurement required a smaller near‑term ask.
Several trustees raised concerns about repatriation—both the spike in requests and the custodial arrangements for artifacts returned to Hawai‘i. Halama and trustees agreed on the need for an inventory and clearer records of where repatriated items are housed and whether they are in climate‑controlled, secure custody. Halama committed to follow up with partners and provide an inventory status update.
Next steps: Cultural Affairs will report back with an updated budget request for Lu Kahakai (or a trimmed ask if audio‑book procurement is delayed) and will coordinate with Advocacy and other staff to inventory repatriated items and confirm custodial arrangements.
