New coalition
puts Hee back in
OHA’s driver seat

Three trustees who voted
for him helped unseat him
as chairman back in 1997

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

Clayton Hee, newly elected chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, says the agency should not be "stuck in neutral" worrying about the pending Rice vs. Cayetano case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. high court is expected to issue an opinion this spring on the appeal by Big Island rancher Harold "Freddy" Rice over a lower court ruling that he can't vote in OHA elections.

"We should continue to do the work for the Hawaiian people and whatever comes about we'll deal with it at that time," Hee said yesterday.

Hee, 46, said his priority is to restart negotiations with the state over past-due revenue from ceded lands. In the past, the former chairman has suggested that the state transfer land titles for Molokini Island, Iolani Palace and Diamond Head as part of a settlement payment.

A deal of land and possibly cash could help OHA to expand economic development opportunities, another priority for Hee. The settlement talks broke down last April and both sides now await a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court on what the payment should be.

In a twist yesterday, Hee was elected chairman by a 5-2 vote with the support of A. Frenchy DeSoto, Haunani Apoliona, Colette Machado and Hannah Springer. In April 1997, Apoliona, Machado and Springer opposed Hee's re-election as chairman and helped unseat him six months later, with DeSoto taking his place.

Now, the trio -- who are up for re-election this year -- find themselves backing him instead of ousted Chairwoman Rowena Akana. Machado was elected vice chairwoman yesterday.

Hee, a former state senator who served as OHA chairman from 1991 to 1997, admits he deserved criticism for his leadership style, but said he is ready to learn from past mistakes. Hee knows his new-found allies, the rest of the OHA board and Hawaiians everywhere will be watching.

"The makeup of the coalition is one that demands participation and, coming from the old school, I'm confident I'm able to shift gears with the new coalition," said Hee, who added he was asked to serve as chairman.

"It won't be easy. Nonetheless, I believe that is a new complexion in politics, period. Not just at OHA," Hee said.

DeSoto said that while she and Hee have had many differences, both agreed to look at the needs of the people. And she was critical of Akana's leadership.

During Akana's tenure, a Hawaiian beneficiary was arrested following a OHA committee meeting and other trustees resigned from their leadership positions. DeSoto also had problems getting travel funds for her aide from Akana when the board met on the neighbor islands.

"Working with Hee is a respite for me," she said.

Apoliona said Hawaiians are waiting for a unified, humble and task-oriented spirit to emerge from the board, and she believes this coalition can be it.

Those who attended yesterday's meeting asked the new majority to focus on issues and provide more access to beneficiaries. Former OHA trustee and state lawmaker Kinau Boyd Kamali'i urged trustees to "take off your ego hat" and work together.

"Stop the name-calling," Kamali'i said. "Show what real Hawaiian is."

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OHA Special