Hee was nominated by trustee Abraham Aiona, while Apoliona was nominated by trustee Colette Pi'ipi'i Machado.
"We believe that Haunani Apoliona will be a fair, honest and open leader who will respect the abilities of every member of this board, and who will ensure that every one of us has a voice in OHA's decisions," said Machado today.
Apoliona said if elected chairwoman, three of her goals would be to focus on quality leadership, shared common values that reflect the very best of Hawaiian culture and strength in diversity using the experiences of all the trustees.
Hee has served as chairman since May 1991, overseeing OHA's rapid growth from $19 million in assets in 1990 to $245 million today. His close ties with Gov. Ben Cayetano -- the two served together in the state Legislature in the early 1980s -- could help the semiautonomous agency resolve the dispute over certain ceded land revenue.
Circuit Judge James R. Aiona today swore in trustees Hannah Kihalani Springer of the Big Island and Machado of Molokai. Senior trustee Moses Keale, the acting chairman, then convened the board to elect a chairman and vice chairman.
The new chairman will appoint OHA's standing committees and name the trustees who will head them.
Apoliona, Machado and Springer defeated incumbents in last November's election. The trio ran under the Na Lei Lokahi platform, which emphasizes balance and harmony on the often-embattled board.
Trustee Billie Beamer, whose share of run-ins with Hee over the years put her outside the board's majority, said she hopes all trustees will acquiesce to whoever has the votes to lead the board.
Beamer views today's reorganization as a fresh start for the board to get on with the business of serving Hawaiians. Already, she credits the inquisitiveness and dedication of the three new trustees for increasing dialogue at board meetings.
"This is a very, very serious junction for Hawaiians, and we have to make very responsible long-range decisions," Beamer said. "We're not making decisions for today but for the future."
Springer and Machado have participated in OHA board meetings and discussions since last Nov. 5 while waiting for the Hawaii Supreme Court to rule on an election challenge by ousted incumbents Moanikeala Akaka and Samuel Kealoha. The court denied the motion March 25, clearing the way for the board to officially reorganize.