{"id":2342,"date":"2026-07-08T04:06:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T04:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=2342"},"modified":"2026-07-08T04:06:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T04:06:45","slug":"oha-trustees-clash-over-ceo-lawsuit-minority-trustees-back-full-damages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=2342","title":{"rendered":"OHA trustees clash over CEO lawsuit, minority trustees back full damages"},"content":{"rendered":"
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees is facing internal divisions after four minority trustees filed a court document supporting the agency\u2019s ousted CEO in her lawsuit against OHA.<\/p>\n

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During Monday\u2019s board meeting, the majority of trustees, led by Chair Kaiali\u2019i Kahele, voted to order the minority trustees to withdraw the court filing. The document stated the board violated whistleblower protections for CEO Stacy Ferreira, who is currently on paid leave.<\/p>\n

Minority trustees back CEO\u2019s damages claim<\/h3>\n

The four minority trustees \u2014 Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Kalei Akaka, Keli\u2019i Akina, and Luana Alapa \u2014 wrote in their court filing that they \u201caffirmatively support Plaintiff\u2019s entitlement to full damages resulting from this unlawful conspiracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trustee Keli\u2019i Akina defended the filing as an exercise of First Amendment rights.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cWe have spoken out as individual trustees,\u201d Akina said. \u201cWe have used our First Amendment right and all we have done is responded truthfully as our consciences would guide, to questions raised in the deliberations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Akina also said the complaint against the minority trustees was an effort to silence them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe complaint against us is yet another effort by the chair and the majority to improperly silence four trustees as they exercise their own fiduciary responsibilities to try to correct breaches of fiduciary duty by the chair and the majority,\u201d Akina said.<\/p>\n

Majority trustees warn of broader consequences<\/h3>\n

Majority trustee Dan Ahuna of Kauai called the situation troubling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is pilau. This is hewa,\u201d Ahuna said. \u201cNothing positive or nothing. Nothing good about it. This really saddens me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Majority trustee Brickwood Galuteria expressed concern the conflict could destabilize the agency, warning that everybody is watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got $55 million coming. Legislature is watching us. We can\u2019t screw it up, guys,\u201d Galuteria said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo for your short game, we\u2019re going to blow the long game. What the heck is that? What kind of politicians are you folks?\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Background on the CEO lawsuit<\/h3>\n

In 2025, Ferreira sued OHA, claiming the agency violated whistleblower and sunshine laws. The lawsuit alleged the board\u2019s decision to place her on paid leave was retaliation for her complaints about Chair Kahele regarding a toxic work environment and what she described as repeated undermining of her role.<\/p>\n

Chair responds to minority trustees<\/h3>\n

In a previous vote, the board agreed to enter into mediation with Ferreira. Chair Kahele questioned the minority trustees\u2019 process in filing the legal document and said it could violate the state Sunshine Law.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen trustee Akina talks about fiduciary duties and good faith \u2014 is there anything good faith about filing a legal pleading without prior notice to beneficiaries, without prior notice to the board of trustees, or without informing board legal counsel?\u201d Kahele said.<\/p>\n

Akina was the only minority trustee to speak at length during the meeting. Trustee Ahuna demanded the remaining minority trustees also speak. The final vote was 5 to 1. Trustee Akaka voted no, Akina abstained, and Trustees Lindsey and Alapa had left the room before the vote.<\/p>\n

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