Office of Hawaiian Affairs
AT-LARGE
Rowena Akana
Age: Not given
Job: OHA trustee
Past: UH, NYU. Political: OHA trustee, 1990-present; past chairwoman
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Elected ... in 1990, I am the most senior member of the board of trustees. In 1990, OHA's trust assets were $11 million. ... By 1996, through prudent investing, OHA's net worth had grown to almost $400 million. ...
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Hawaiians face a combination of issues that we must address simultaneously. For example: 1. How to strategically plan to deal with impending lawsuits against our trust; 2. Developing a 10-year plan ... to achieve goals set forth in the plan.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should work with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to address this need as it has done in the past, by providing homesteaders access to a $20 million appropriation allowing them to apply for down payment loans ...
Whitney T. Anderson
Age: Not given
Job: Small business owner
Past: State Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs president, state legislator
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My more than 40 years of involvement within the Hawaiian community, including my service as president of the state Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and president of the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club. Also served 20 years in the Legislature.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Education. Many qualified Hawaiians today cannot afford to attend the University of Hawaii, and there is no excuse for this -- UH sits on ceded lands. The state should provide tuition waivers for needy Hawaiians.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should consider expanding low-interest home loans to Hawaiians when they're awarded Homestead parcels, as many of our people cannot qualify for loans through a bank. OHA's money belongs to Hawaiians, and they should rightfully have access to it.
Roy L. (Ilikea) Benham
Age: 83
Job: Teacher; (Retired) Civilian Personnel Officers, U.S. Army; OHA trustee, 1980-82; kupuna, DOE Hawaiian studies
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My experience as civilian personnel officer with the Army has prepared me for this position. I am familiar with the operations of an organization and the skills it takes to perform effectively. ... volunteer work with the Hawaiian Civic Clubs ...
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
The native Hawaiian people need to be officially recognized by Congress, in accordance with the requirements of their constitutions, as indigenous people, native Americans as they call it. This will enable us to protect those programs ... established for native Hawaiians ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should continue to assist Hawaiian Homes in obtaining funds to more fully implement the Hawaiian Homes program. Primarily by helping obtain state and federal funds for the further development of Hawaiian Home lands.
Manu Boyd
Age: 43
Job: Public info. director, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Past: Cultural expert; leader, Ho'okena; kumu hula; community boards
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
More than 14 years of agency experience and direct work with the Hawaiian community give me deep insight into a wide range of issues impacting our community. I have many years of communications and administrative background ...
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
The recognition of native Hawaiians as indigenous to Hawaii is key to defending litigation alleging that Hawaiians are nothing more than another ethnic group. Housing, education and health are ongoing issues that OHA will continue to address. ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA has the resources to work with DHHL in creating or improving infrastructure on undeveloped homestead lands, and can effectively work with their board and the boards of other organizations such as Kamehameha Schools ... to better the conditions of Hawaiians.
Robin Puanani Danner
Age: 43
Job: CEO, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Past: Board/ commission service, advocate
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Twenty years executive management experience in business, banking, municipal government and native trusts and programs. I am a great believer in community and bringing people together to get things done ...
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Beyond recognition as indigenous peoples of Hawaii, marshaling the resources and talents of OHA to impact social and economic statistics through the best ideas of charter schools, healthcare providers, business owners, civic clubs, cultural practitioners, community associations - all stakeholders ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
A significant role! Housing, a place to live, is one of the single best stabilizers of any community that ripples to all other communities in many ways, including jobs, local business and freeing up housing ... OHA should fund homestead programs.
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Newton D. Harbottle
Age: 63 Job: Retired from Honolulu Police Department
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My interaction with Hawaiians as an individual person and my experience working with people makes me qualified to see the problems that Hawaiians are facing today and what's to come in the future.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Most important are the health issues that plague the Native Hawaiians. Ending this dilemma will require identification, education and elimination to re-establish their rightful place of excellence as industrious young men and women.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
It is OHA's mandate to better the conditions of native Hawaiians. OHA needs to revisit the process of issuing homestead land and a new strategic plan needs to address placing every single Hawaiian onto homestead lands.
AT-LARGE
Leona Mapuana Kalima
Age: 54
Job: OHA cultural specialist, special projects
Past: Ordained minister
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Lifelong advocate and activist for Hawaiian justice. I have heart and knowledge for my people. Graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, Brigham Young University-Paralegal Studies, Geophysical Phenomenon, and a Haku Hooponopono, with over 11 years on the job at OHA.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Lawsuits to dismantle the trust assets; formulation of the Hawaiian Nation -- reduce apathy, discontent, non-involvement and divisions; improve social, economics, education, health, homelessness; a future for keiki and youth -- find/develop win-win solutions ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Statehood Admissions Act ... for the betterment of conditions of native Hawaiians, as defined in the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 ... OHA should recycle the 1990s Homestead Loan Program ... same interest rate. With DHHL, revisit settlement.
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Melissa M. Guerreiro Lyman
Age: 42
Job: Project accountant/supervisor in retail
Past: 15-plus years of financial accounting
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Involved with the Hawaiian civic club movement for the past 20 years, has provided me with invaluable experiences, and has honed my ability to work with other organizations to advocate for the community on cultural, social and educational issues.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Health and welfare: As a trustee I would make it a priority to work with the community and other organizations to create programs and funding to address issues of education, health, and human services.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Create additional programs similar to their pathway to homeownership, OHA Fannie Mae and mortgage funding. Preparing beneficiaries for homeownership and having programs that would help secure financing benefits all beneficiaries including those eligible for Hawaiian Home Land.
Willy Meyers (Kealakahi)
Age: 56
Job: Mental health technician
Past: Behavioral specialist, drug abuse counsel-or/manager, cul- tural-site caretaker
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
I am part Hawaiian.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
There are MANY pressing (depressing) issues facing native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, i.e., education, health and welfare, housing, etc., etc., etc.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Whatever role or stand that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs should assume needs to be dictated by and for the benefit of native Hawaiians and Hawaiians.
Oswald "Oz" K. Stender
Age: 75
Job: Real estate consultant and broker
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
I am currently a trustee at OHA. I served as CEO at the Campbell Estate and as trustee at the Bishop Estate. I am a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Bringing closure to the issues of nationhood and ceded land revenues are most pressing for Hawaiians. I want to continue to try to bring closure to these issues and work toward the betterment of Hawaiians through education ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should assist DHHL with financing of infrastructures, house construction, home financing, and maintenance education for those trying to get on homestead land.
John D. Waihe'e IV
Age: 36
Job: OHA trustee
Past: Kaho'olawe Island Reserve commissioner, member, Waimea Valley Steward-ship Board
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Serving as vice chairman of OHA's board, I have had the opportunity over the past six years to introduce over 40 action items addressing concerns ... : human services, education, land preservation, business development and trustee accountability.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
True self-determination over our entitlements, environment and cultural practices. To this end I continue to strongly support OHA's governance plan, "Ho'oulu Lahui Aloha," which will formally bring Hawaiians together and establish a political body to represent our collective interests.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should use its resources to act as an advocate for beneficiaries in expediting their issues with the state. Concurrently, OHA should also re-establish low-interest homesteader loan programs to help with the construction of houses.
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Arvid Tadao Youngquist
Age: 58
Job: State Dept. of Transportation, Business Management Office staffer
Past: Neighbor-hood board
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
AARP State Legislative Committee; former member of Kalihi/Palama Neighborhood Board (editor, newsletter); previous experience as Board of Director member, Austin/Travis County MH/MR Center ($19 million annual budget ... appointment by City Council); appointed by Gov. George Ariyoshi ...
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Define the meaning of nationhood that is acceptable to the super-majority in the Congress and the White House. I will press for a sea change in the make-up of the Congress, and press for continued effective lobbying ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Seek to reduce the blood quantum requirement and shorten the waiting period. The Kanaka Maoli citizens who are waiting for a homestead are dying. ... Lobby ... to continue with aggressive placement funding of housing and infrastructure.
MAUI
Blossom Feiteira
Age: 47
Job: Customer service, Kmart
Past: Community activist, enriching lives through informing our people
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Over 20 years as a community advocate and activist; I helped to create a health center on Maui for our people. I've also taught Hawaiian families financial management, enabling hundreds of families to move into their own homes.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Housing, education, health care, illegal drugs and native rights are all critical issues. I would work with existing, effective agencies to streamline the grant and funding process. I would build strategic partnerships and garner community participation. ... Visit www.BlossomForOHA.com
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA can provide our people with increased access to education and information. I've found through organizing home ownership and financial workshops that our people are eager to learn and they are capable managers. ...
Boyd P. Mossman
Age: 63
Job: Retired Circuit Court judge, OHA trustee
Past: Legal experience, boards, commitment to Hawaii
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My education in the schools and in life has provided me, besides knowledge, maturity, reason and common sense. My experience has been in the courts, government, community and culture. My example has been one of integrity, trust, family and faith.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Legal survival of native Hawaiians. Lawsuits accuse OHA, DHHL, and Kamehameha Schools of being radically discriminatory. I will continue to defend against these suits, while working with Congress, the state government and the Hawaiian people for all Hawaii.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Assist DHHL and all Hawaiians by developing low-cost housing both on and off Homestead Lands.
OAHU
Jackie Kahookele Burke
Age: 54
Job: Publisher, artist, consultant
Past: Master's in public health and urban & regional planning
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My academic background, being a business owner and entrepreneur with experience in community economic development and non-profits will provide the foundation needed to manage the operational aspects of OHA, but lastly my aloha for our Hawaiian community and aina.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Nationhood status. Currently I am developing "Kaa Ea - Sovereignty Buses campaign," an educational and outreach strategy to engage, unify and register citizens for the Kingdom [Nation] of Hawaii via buses in Hawaii and a 12-city West Coast tour.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
I do not support homestead land distribution especially the blood quantum imposed on us, a dividing tool. ... OHA's efforts should rather address all Hawaiians through housing/loan programs, so that Hawaiians own homes, not homesteads.
Dante Keala Carpenter
Age: 71
Job: Elected trustee (2002-06); consultant Past: Elected 22 years as councilman, mayor, senator, OHA trustee
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
Forty years of community work and a sincere desire to help "level the playing field" in conjunction with OHA's mission of advocacy "for the betterment of conditions of native Hawaiians and Hawaiians."
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
The Hawaiian community needs to determine a collective course of action for the reconciliation of the overthrow to transition from the present to the future. ... OHA must support that collective will through its advocacy efforts for native Hawaiians and Hawaiians.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
Native Hawaiians are those who have a minimum 50% blood quantum as defined by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. OHA assists with mortgage loans via FHB and Fannie Mae, however, assignment and control of development rests solely with DHHL.
Walter Meheula Heen
Age: 78
Job: Attorney (retired appellate judge)
Past: Legislator, City Council chair, trial and appellate judge
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
My experience enables me to analyze issues and craft workable and effective solutions that will be fair and acceptable not only to the Hawaiian community, but also to the general community.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Many native Hawaiians lack the education to effectively compete for employment. OHA should join with the Alii Trusts and DOE to provide a solid educational foundation for native Hawaiian children and to encourage their kupuna to be more involved ...
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA cannot interfere in the DHHL's operations but can assist DHHL in obtaining operating and development funds from the Legislature, and can assist native Hawaiians in obtaining financing for their home construction.
Keahaulani Hew Len
Age: 43
Job: Marketing/ graphic specialist
Past: Community service, grant writing certified, solid project, time management skills
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
As a native Hawaiian living on Hawaiian homestead lands for generations, I've been involved in issues raging from native rights, education, social and economic development, housing, and political affairs. My life's obligations to better the conditions of Hawaii's people are required.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Issues affecting Hawaiians are the Akaka Bill and self-governance, homelessness, illiteracy, the high percentage of incarcerated native Hawaiians, and the lack of economic opportunities. My priority is to eliminate these blights.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
The best role can be to provide financial assistance, such as lower interest loans and financial planning education; community strategic planning; and home ownership development.
OAHU
S. Kau'i Na'auao
Age: 32
Job: Licensed Realtor in the state of Hawaii
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
I come from a family deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and arts. I graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received my B.A. in Hawaiian studies from the University of Hawaii. I've worked for Alu Like and am currently a licensed Realtor.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Education. Quality education is the foundation our people need to become self-sufficient. Our children are the future and there is a need for educational programs to assist parents financially in providing children ... with the best education possible.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should play a big role. Whether it is assisting lessees to qualify for home loans or developing affordable rental units, OHA and DHHL should collaborate to get the people back on the land where they belong.
Kapiolani Reynolds
Age: 44
Job: Clerk
What qualifies you to be an Office of Hawaiian Affairs board member?
I'm qualified because at my various jobs I enjoy helping people and giving back.
What is the most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians? What would you do about it?
Most pressing issue facing native Hawaiians is obtaining decent and affordable housing. I would build houses and apartments using OHA funds for this purpose.
What role should OHA play in getting native Hawaiians onto homestead land?
OHA should subsidize loans for qualified applicants and obtain land.
