Hee takes over
as OHA leader
Ousted as board chairman in
By Pat Omandam
1997, Clayton Hee replaces
Rowena Akana, who says 'this
is about money and power'
Star-BulletinThe Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees elected Clayton Hee as its new chairman today.
Hee, who was ousted as chairman in 1997, replaces Rowena Akana. Trustee Colette Machado was expected to become the new vice chairwoman.
The trustees that formed the new majority and called for today's reorganization meeting are Hee, Machado, Hannah Springer, Haunani Apoliona and A. Frenchy DeSoto.
The change in leadership, on a 5-2 vote, marks the fourth time in as many years that OHA has a new chairman.
At a meeting prior to board action this morning, Hawaiians urged the new majority to work together in the new millennium. Activist Lela Hubbard said she hoped OHA would set up a process to allow Hawaiians to have more involvement in OHA decision-making, including helping to select interim trustee appointments.
A good example of the board's lack of unity was its inability to agree on an interim Kauai trustee last month. The decision now falls to Gov. Ben Cayetano, who has about a month to make the appointment.
Meanwhile, Akana boycotted today's OHA meeting after she predicted it would be a "circus atmosphere." She said it had been very challenging to work with individuals who have difficulty envisioning the future.
Akana, a seven-year OHA member, charged this morning that her downfall is "being manipulated by people outside of the OHA" boardroom, but was unwilling to cite names.
"This all about money and power," she added.
Akana, however, said the reorganization was engineered by at least three OHA trustees who she said had close connections to the Hawaii Democratic Party. Predicting OHA will be stagnated until after the November elections, Akana encouraged OHA voters to select trustees who have no political ties to either political party.
Akana said that under her leadership the board had appropriated $574,000 to the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. to assist beneficiaries in bringing claims against the state for breaches of the Hawaiian Home Lands trust.
OHA also approved $243,000 for community education for Paepae Hanohano, which is planning a puwalu this spring. It is uncertain whether that sovereignty gathering will take place under the new leadership.
"Obviously, my quest for justice for the Hawaiian people has caused me to inadvertently step on toes. I believe I have done my very best to serve our Hawaiian beneficiaries. However, my independence has caused some members to undermine my leadership from the day it began," Akana said.
OHA Special
