What's Being Discussed

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment (BAE) is holding a meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The main topics are:

• Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Sanctuary: The committee will meet privately with its lawyers to discuss recent federal actions related to commercial fishing access in the monument, and to review OHA's legal options, including possible litigation to defend the monument's environmental protections.
• Approval of past meeting minutes from February 4, 11, and 18, 2026, as well as a closed executive session from September 17, 2025.
• Community Concerns and Celebrations: An open opportunity for the public to share comments or community news not restricted to the agenda.

Note: The discussion about Papahānaumokuākea will take place in a closed (executive) session, meaning the public cannot listen in during that portion of the meeting.

Decisions Expected

• A vote to approve minutes from three previous BAE Committee meetings and one past executive session.
• The committee will consult with legal counsel on potential legal action, though no final vote on litigation is listed on this agenda.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Native Hawaiian beneficiaries of OHA programs and services
• Anyone concerned about environmental protections at Papahānaumokuākea, the large marine monument northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands
• Fishing industry stakeholders interested in federal policy changes affecting commercial fishing access in the monument
• Community members who wish to share concerns or testimony with OHA trustees