Professionalism, Respect, and Our Responsibility to the Lāhui

by OHA Trustee Luana Alapa, Ka Wai Ola, July 1, 2026

As elected trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), we are entrusted with a profound responsibility: to serve our beneficiaries and represent the interests of the lāhui with integrity, respect, and professionalism. This trust is not earned through words alone – it is demonstrated through our actions, our conduct, and the manner in which we engage with one another and the communities we serve.

In recent months, concerns have emerged from beneficiaries regarding the tone, behavior, and decorum displayed in some of our meetings and interactions. While disagreement and passionate advocacy are natural and often necessary components of effective leadership, there is a significant difference between healthy debate and conduct that undermines collaboration, respect, and public confidence.

Trustee conduct matters. When interactions become adversarial, dismissive, degrading or demeaning, it weakens the collective ability of the Board to govern effectively. As leaders, we must be mindful that our actions set the standard for others and influence the culture of the organization as a whole.

Our beneficiaries expect and deserve leaders who can engage in difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism and mutual respect. They expect trustees who focus on issues rather than personalities, who seek solutions rather than division, and who demonstrate the values that OHA was created to uphold. Rather than interrupting and unnecessarily rudely ending comment on matters, leaders should be patient and allow for their colleagues to address issues as necessary.

Professionalism is not merely a workplace expectation: it reflects our commitment to our mission. Every trustee shares a responsibility to contribute to an environment where individuals feel safe to express differing viewpoints, where dialogue remains constructive, and where decisions are made based on thoughtful consideration rather than conflict or intimidation.

Recent experiences have highlighted the need for renewed attention to these principles. Reports of disrespectful interactions, dismissive behavior, interruptions, intimidation, and conduct that creates discomfort or apprehension among colleagues serve as reminders that we must continually hold ourselves accountable to higher standards.

No trustee, staff member, or participant should feel reluctant to contribute because of fear, hostility, or disrespect. Leadership carries with it the responsibility to model professionalism, foster productive engagement, and ensure that all voices can be heard.

Maintaining professional decorum means allowing all voices to be heard and not rudely interrupting or limiting comment but listening with intention and engaging in discussions that focus on issues rather than individuals.

When these standards are upheld, trust grows. Collaboration becomes more effective and leadership is respected by all of OHA.

Our beneficiaries expect more than policy decisions and governance oversight; they expect leadership that reflects the values of respect, integrity, humility, and aloha. The way we conduct ourselves is inseparable from the work we do. Professionalism is not optional, nor is it situational. It must remain a constant priority, particularly during periods of disagreement or challenge.

As we move forward, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of professionalism and by treating one another with respect and maintaining appropriate decorum demonstrating our commitment to the people we serve, and reinforcing the credibility of the institution entrusted with their interests, with accountability and respect.

Let us remember that leadership is measured not only by the positions we hold but by the examples we set. Our beneficiaries deserve nothing less than a Board that conducts itself with honor, dignity, and aloha.

By strengthening our commitment to respectful leadership and professional conduct, we strengthen our ability to serve our people effectively and uphold the trust placed in us. This is both our responsibility and our kuleana as trustees elected by our beneficiaries.

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2020: Miske Lawyer Behind Campaign to Unseat OHA Trustee Keli’i Akina