Date & Time Thursday, August 27, 2026 9:00 AM
Remote Access Join Online

AI-Generated Summary

Plain-language overview — always verify with official documents

What's Being Discussed

  • Military presence in Hawaiʻi: The Institute for Policy Studies will present a report examining the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the U.S. military in Hawaiʻi on Native Hawaiian communities and lands.
  • Protecting Hawaiʻi lands from government overreach: The ACLU of Hawaiʻi will present on legal strategies for defending Hawaiʻi lands, with a focus on Native Hawaiian stewardship rights.
  • Military Lease Lands update: OHA leadership and a technical advisory group will provide an update on lands currently leased to the military.
  • Hurricane Lala relief efforts: The board will receive an update on how OHA is responding to hurricane damage statewide, including data collection, community coordination, and distribution of emergency relief funds through the Kōkua Kaʻū Relief Fund.
  • Employment-related legal matter: The board will discuss a claim related to an OHA hiring process, including a possible settlement. Part of this discussion will be held in a closed session.
  • Meeting minutes: The board will review and approve minutes from several earlier meetings.

Decisions Expected

  • Conference travel funding (up to $75,300): A vote on sending a ten-person delegation to an Indigenous health conference in the Cook Islands in November 2026.
  • Food systems program funding ($442,600): A vote to release funds for OHA's Kūlana ʻĀina Food Systems & Workforce Program for the coming fiscal year.
  • Employment claim: Possible board action on a legal settlement.

Who Should Pay Attention

  • Native Hawaiians and communities affected by Hurricane Lala, especially in the Kaʻū area
  • Anyone concerned about military land use and its impact on Native Hawaiian trust lands
  • Those interested in Indigenous food systems, workforce development, or health programs
  • Community members with views on land protection and legal rights in Hawaiʻi

How to Participate

This is a public meeting — all community members are welcome to attend and provide testimony. Meetings are typically held in person and may also be accessible online.