Bill Allocating More Money to OHA Now on Governor’s Desk

A bill that would raise annual revenue payments to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs from $15.1 million to $21.5 million cleared both the House and Senate unanimously today and now heads to Gov. David Ige’s desk for final approval.

The Public Land Trust Bill would also provide an additional sum of $64 million to OHA and form a working group to continue discussion of the long-debated issue.

It has been extremely gratifying to observe this year’s legislative session and know that not only were concerns for the Native Hawaiian people listened to and heard, but attended to as well,” Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey, OHA board chair, said in a statement issued Tuesday, May 3 on the bill. “We have always, and will continue to, advocate for what is just, fair and pono for our people.”

Lindsey thanked the legislators for addressing the state’s constitutional obligation to Native Hawaiians and agreeing to continue to work toward a resolution of this issue, as well as others who helped craft and supported the measure.

“The decision of where to prudently deploy these additional funds will be decided by our Board of Trustees in fulfillment of their fiduciary duties considering our investment and spending policies and in alignment with our Mana i Mauli Ola Strategic Plan,” the chairman added. “We remain committed to our record $30.2 million fiscal biennium budget for beneficiary and community investments as we have just released community grant solicitations with awards expected to be announced this summer. Together, with the support from our state Legislature, we will continue our work to better the lives of the Native Hawaiian people and create a thriving lāhui.