What's Being Discussed

Alakaʻi Awards: The board will recognize the 2026 Alakaʻi Award recipients for the April–June period. These awards honor individuals or groups making a positive impact in the Native Hawaiian community.
The "Malu Project": The board will consider creating a special committee to plan how to spend state funds designated for Native Hawaiian programs in education, health, economic development, and community-based initiatives. These funds come from a state law (Act 032) and are meant to address short-term critical needs.
Legal matter – Ferreira v. OHA: The board will discuss a pending lawsuit (Civil No. 1CCV-25-0001822) and whether OHA should appeal a recent court ruling from August 6, 2026, in which the First Circuit Court denied OHA's request to move the case to arbitration. Part of this discussion will happen in a closed executive session, as allowed by state law.
Approval of past meeting minutes from March 5 and March 11, 2026, as well as closed-session minutes from December 18, 2025.

Decisions Expected

A vote to form an Ad Hoc Committee to manage and spend trust funds under the Malu Project.
A possible decision on whether to appeal the court ruling in the Ferreira v. OHA lawsuit.
Approval of minutes from previous meetings.

Who Should Pay Attention

Native Hawaiians who rely on or are interested in OHA-funded programs in health, education, or economic development.
Community organizations that may be affected by how the Malu Project funds are distributed.
Anyone interested in OHA's legal proceedings and organizational governance.