What's Being Discussed

Recognition and awards: The board will honor 2026 'Aha 'Ōpiʻo participants (a youth program) and present Alakaʻi Awards for January through March 2026.
Candidate forum update: The board chair will share an update on OHA trustee candidate forum broadcasts, including news that a planned Hawaiʻi First Congressional District primary debate will not move forward. No vote will be taken.
Military lease lands: Board Chair Kaiali'i Kahele will give an informational briefing on a Technical Advisors Group focused on military-leased land.
Audit update: OHA staff will present findings from the State Auditor and discuss contracts related to emergency proclamations.
Potential TV station purchase: The board will consider spending up to $172,500 to investigate whether OHA should purchase KITV, Inc. and KIKU, LLC from the Allen Media Group.
Budget adjustments: The board will review proposed realignments to OHA's two-year budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Strategic plan update: Staff will update the board on OHA's Mana i Mauli Ola strategic plan, including a proposal to reorganize it around the concept of Ea (sovereignty/life).
Closed sessions: The board will meet privately to discuss a pending lawsuit and an independent investigation into the OHA Administrator.

Decisions Expected

Approving meeting minutes from February 2026
Authorizing up to $172,500 for TV station purchase research
Approving budget realignments for FY26 and FY27
Approving the reorganization of OHA's strategic plan around Ea

Who Should Pay Attention

Native Hawaiians — OHA's decisions directly affect programs and resources serving the Hawaiian community
Media and journalism observers — due to the potential KITV/KIKU acquisition
OHA employees — given the closed-session discussion about the Administrator and personnel matters
Anyone interested in Hawaiian land rights — due to the military lease land briefing