Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a semi-autonomous state agency established by the 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention to address the needs of the Native Hawaiian people. It was created through amendments to the Constitution of Hawaii and is tasked with bettering the conditions of indigenous Hawaiians. The agency manages a portfolio of trust assets and administers programs focused on health, education, economic development, and cultural preservation.

History

The establishment of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs followed decades of political activism and a growing Hawaiian sovereignty movement seeking redress for the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The landmark 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention saw significant participation from Hawaiian activists like Gladys Brandt and Frenchy DeSoto, leading to the creation of the agency via constitutional amendment. Its formation was a direct response to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921 and aimed to provide a modern vehicle for Native Hawaiian self-governance. Early years were marked by legal battles over its authority and the management of ceded lands, revenues from which were designated for its trust. The 1993 Apology Resolution passed by the United States Congress acknowledged the historical injustices underpinning its mission.

Governance and structure

The agency is governed by a nine-member elected Board of Trustees, with candidates running in statewide elections as established by the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Trustees serve four-year terms and elect a chairperson, such as Kūhiō Lewis, and other officers from within their membership. The board sets policy and oversees the Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, who manages daily operations and a staff headquartered in Honolulu. Its structure includes several divisions, such as the Chief Advocate and the Chief Operating Officer, which implement programs across the Hawaiian archipelago. The agency's operations are subject to audit by the Hawaii State Auditor and it must report to the Hawaii State Legislature.

Functions and programs

Core functions include the administration of grants, advocacy, and the management of a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at the Native Hawaiian community. Major initiatives focus on educational scholarships, housing assistance, healthcare services, and cultural initiatives like Hawaiian language revitalization. It funds and partners with organizations such as the University of Hawaii and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on specific projects. The agency also conducts research and provides policy analysis on issues affecting Native Hawaiians, often submitting testimony to the Hawaii State Legislature and the United States Congress. Its advocacy extends to protecting access and gathering rights and monitoring federal legislation like the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Land and financial assets

The agency's financial foundation includes a pro rata share of revenues from the public land trust, specifically the ceded lands that once belonged to the Crown and Government of the Hawaiian Kingdom. These revenues are derived from leases and uses of lands now managed by the State of Hawaii, including those for military use like U.S. Army installations. It also manages its own investment portfolio and real estate holdings, including commercial properties in Honolulu like the Gentry Pacific Design Center. Legal settlements, such as those related to ceded lands revenues, have periodically provided significant funds. The agency's financial management and use of these trust assets are often subjects of scrutiny and legal challenge.

Legal and political issues

The agency has been a central party in numerous consequential legal battles, most notably the 2000 U.S. Supreme Court case *Rice v. Cayetano*, which opened its trustee elections to all voters in Hawaii. Subsequent cases like *Arakaki v. State* further challenged its state-funded programs. The ongoing debate over federal recognition and potential nation-building for a Native Hawaiian governing entity is a primary political focus. It has opposed developments like the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea and has been involved in disputes over water rights, such as those for taro farming. These issues intersect with broader themes of indigenous rights, self-determination, and the unresolved political status of Native Hawaiians. Category:Government of Hawaii Category:Native Hawaiian politics Category:State agencies of Hawaii