OHA Trustees Select Board Chief of Staff as Interim Administrator

News Release from OHA, Sept 26, 2025

The OHA Board of Trustees (BOT) has appointed BOT Chief of Staff Summer Sylva as the Interim Administrator (CEO) of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Sylva’s appointment follows the announcement of the need for personal leave by the current CEO, Stacy Ferreira, and the Board’s approval to place the CEO on paid administrative leave.

(CLUE: That was done in Exec Session Sept 23.  There was no public announcement until the news leaked to the media.)

OHA Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele said, “Summer brings a strong and steady professional background to OHA. Her previous leadership as the Executive Director at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and as the Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior reflects her longstanding commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian community. She has worked across legal, policy, and governance spaces, with a focus on advocacy, stewardship, and self-determination.”

As BOT Chief of Staff, Sylva has demonstrated a solid working knowledge of Board governance, strategic operations, and interdepartmental coordination.

“The Board has full confidence in Summer’s ability in this interim role to lead with integrity, maintain organizational stability, and foster strong relationships with staff, partners, and the community,” added Trustee Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Beneficiary Advocacy Empowerment Committee.

"I’m honored to serve as Interim Administrator and remain focused on providing steady leadership during this period,” Sylva said. “My priority is ensuring continuity in OHA’s work and supporting our staff and mission."

Sylva’s appointment as Interim CEO is effective September 23, 2025, and until further notice. 

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BACKGROUND:

VIDEO: Sept 23, 2025 BoT reconvenes from Exec Session – Kahele makes a vague reference to ‘a member of OHA’ being approved for leave and a ‘10% pay differential.’  No other announcement.

Sept 23, 2025 BoT:  Agenda,  Board Packet -- “Legal Matters – Governance and Administrative Oversight. The Board anticipates convening in an executive meeting pursuant to HRS §§ 92-5(a)(2) and (4) to consult with its legal counsel and take any necessary action regarding the Board’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities in connection with internal matters involving risk management and the Board’s governance and administrative oversight responsibilities, including matters involving alleged noncompliance with governance policies and administrative authorities.”

July 2025: After Much Gnashing of Teeth, OHA Trustees Approve Amended Budget

Nov 2022: US House Ethics Committee continuing investigation into Kahele campaign finances

Oct 2022: House Ethics Committee Investigating Kai Kahele

Apr 2022: Attorney: Kahele threatened to kill ex-wife -- In court records obtained by Hawaii News Now, his ex-wife’s attorney alleged that she was in “fear of her safety” due to his “volatile nature and temper.”

LINK: CH-07-1991 - CHRISTIANE JEAN PINDAT V KAIALII KAHELE

COVERAGE:

CB: OHA's Chief Executive Has Abruptly Been Put On Paid Leave

HPR: OHA chief executive put on administrative leave | Hawai'i Public Radio