Clayton Hee:
Says his revenue ideas
would generate income without
harming the state economy.

For starters, Hee suggests the state transfer the land titles for Molokini Island between Kahoolawe and Maui, as well as Iolani Palace and Diamond Head, to OHA as part of the soon-to-be-discussed settlement over ceded land revenue.

Hee, who has yet to seek board approval for these ideas, believes OHA could use these resources as a revenue base without hurting the state's strug- il,16p3,6p9 gling economy. As landowners, OHA would have exclusive rights to charge user fees for these resources or seek joint venture partnerships to develop them, he said.

For example, OHA could generate revenue from Molokini as an exclusive fishery or from Diamond Head as a Hawaiian-run tourist attraction. Fees could be charged to hike the crater, for refreshments and perhaps even for picturesque weddings, Hee suggested.

"Diamond Head, for several reasons, is an attractive resource. I think it has tremendous revenue potential. And I think from a symbolic point of view, Diamond Head in many ways is like the aloha spirit, it is the essence of Hawaii," said Hee, who added OHA cannot be content just holding onto its $245 million investment portfolio.

"I'm going to ask the board to consider Iolani Palace. Personally speaking, I think that they more likely than not will agree," he said.

Hee has a right to feel confident about support from trustees. The OHA board by a 6-to-3 vote yesterday re-elected him as chairman after a challenge for the seat from newcomer Haunani Apoliona. The three dissenting votes were from Apoliona, Colette Machado and Hannah Springer, new trustees who ran for OHA under the Na Lei Lokahi banner last November.

Trustee Abraham Aiona was re-elected vice chairman in a 5-4 vote that pitted him against Springer.

The freshmen trustees yesterday presented the board with a reorganization vision statement that outlined their goals and plans to lead the board.

The three proposed cutting the number of OHA committees from nine to four, with every trustee sitting in on every committee to ensure every voice is heard. They said, "Our people need us to be focused, strong and unified leaders so that we can battle the real threats to our culture, our language, our values and our precious 'aina."

Trustee Billie Beamer, who despite her public battles with Hee voted for him, said Na Lei Lokahi's platform was disturbing because the seated trustees did not have direct input into those plans. Beamer said the strength of OHA's board is its independent trustees who don't always agree with its leaders.