What's Being Discussed

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting can be attended in person in Honolulu, watched online, or followed by phone. Key topics include:

• Disaster relief update: Staff will report on OHA's ongoing relief efforts following recent disasters, including Hurricane Lowell and the March 2026 Kona Low storms.
• Burial council stipends: A proposal to fund and set procedures for paying Island Burial Council community representatives, as required by a new state law.
• 2027 Legislative priorities: The board will consider approving OHA's list of bills to support in the upcoming state legislative session.
• Community event sponsorships: Eleven organizations are up for funding through OHA's Hoʻākoakoa Lāhui event sponsorship program, including cultural celebrations, youth STEAM events, and community galas.
• Agricultural recovery funds: A revised proposal to redirect up to $225,000 to help Native Hawaiian farmers recover from storm damage.
• Disaster fund adjustments: Proposed changes to allow unused Kōkua Kaʻū gift cards to be redirected to support Kauaʻi residents affected by Hurricane Lowell.
• Labor agreements for Kakaʻako Makai land: Consideration of agreements with labor unions for construction projects on OHA-owned land.
• New CEO appointment: The board is expected to formally select and set compensation for a permanent OHA Administrator/CEO.
• Policy updates: A second reading of revisions to trustee ethics and confidentiality rules.

Decisions Expected

• Votes on all action items listed above, including event sponsorships, disaster fund changes, agricultural recovery funding, labor agreements, and the CEO appointment.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Native Hawaiians seeking disaster relief or agricultural assistance
• Community organizations applying for OHA event sponsorships
• Farmers impacted by the 2026 Kona Low storms
• Kauaʻi residents affected by Hurricane Lowell
• Anyone interested in OHA's leadership and organizational direction