OHA candidate forums begin Tuesday with Oahu trustee race

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is airing a series of forums with candidates running for OHA trustee. Everyone can vote in the OHA election, regardless of the island or district where they are registered.

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Tuesday’s OHA candidate forum features incumbent trustee Kalei Akaka and challenger Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong, who are running for the Oʻahu island seat.

Akaka was elected in 2018 and is the granddaughter of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. She chaired the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment and serves as its vice chair.

Wong is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, educator and community leader. She is the Hawaiian Council’s ambassador of culture and has chaired the O’ahu Island Burial Council.

Candidates discuss priorities and board unity

During the forum, Wong criticized clashes among board trustees.

“The current level of infighting at the OHA trustee level to me is completely unacceptable,” Wong said.

Akaka said, “Our people deserve to have hope and leadership, to see that our leaders are working together.”

The candidates were asked about their highest priority. Akaka said her intent in entering public service continues to be advocacy and hearing the needs, concerns and celebrations of the community. Wong said her top priority is to restore trust and reinvigorate the public’s faith and confidence in the OHA board.

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OHA’s portfolio and Kakaʻako Makai development

The candidates also spoke about OHA’s nearly $1 billion portfolio, military land leases and stalled development at Kakaʻako Makai.

“My colleague across of me is elected into office, but within the last eight to 10 years, the ball has not been moved to do anything at Kakaʻako Makai,” said Wong.

“There has been fervent and steadfast work, and there have been constant community conversations. We’ve been able to discuss and do a lot of myth-busting,” said Akaka.

Candidate forum schedule

Oʻahu Island Trustee Forum: Tuesday, Oct. 13. KHNL, 2:30–3 p.m.; KGMB and K5 simulcast, 6:30–7 p.m.

Maui Island Trustee Forum: Wednesday, Oct. 14. KHNL, 2:30–3 p.m.; KGMB and K5 simulcast, 6:30–7 p.m.

At-Large Trustee Candidate Panel: Thursday, Oct. 15, on K5, 7–8 p.m. Repeats Saturday, Oct. 17, on KGMB, 6–7 p.m., and KHNL, 7–8 p.m.

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You can also watch the forums online here.