Will OHA Squander the $55 Million from the Legislature?
by Keli‘i Akina, OHA Trustee, KWO, November 1, 2026
Will the Office of Hawaiian Affairs squander the $55 million it recently received from the state legislature?
As an OHA trustee, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in financial management and stewardship. But I also know that OHA hasn’t always enjoyed the public’s confidence in managing resources.
Perhaps you’ve asked this question yourself. Perhaps our legislators have too. Given OHA’s history, it’s a fair question.
But I’m asking it for another reason. We have an extraordinary opportunity to show what OHA can accomplish through wise stewardship, today and for generations to come.
During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers approved $55 million in Public Land Trust revenues for OHA to address critical needs among Native Hawaiians. With families struggling with rising costs, communities recovering from disasters, and uncertain federal funding, these resources couldn’t come at a better time.
All eyes will be on OHA. And rightly so.
What excites me is the financial vision taking shape. I’m encouraged by discussions among my fellow trustees about meeting immediate needs while creating financial resources for the future.
Too often, when an organization receives a large sum of money, the temptation is to spend it. Programs are funded and grants are awarded, but soon the money is gone.
OHA’s Native Hawaiian Trust Fund offers an important model. Rather than simply spending our resources, we put money to work through disciplined investments that generate earnings year after year.
Consider the financial vision OHA staff have presented for Project Malu. Starting with the recently acquired $55 million, the proposal would distribute at least $8 million annually to meet immediate needs while investing the remainder for long-term growth.
If OHA secures additional revenues, annual distributions could reach $10 million within five years, serving immediate needs of Native Hawaiians. After 50 years, the fund could grow to $663 million while providing nearly $25 million annually to beneficiaries!
In fact, since receiving the $55 million in July, OHA has already earned approximately $400,000 in interest on funds previously held in a non-interest-bearing state account.
That’s the power of good stewardship. We can meet today’s needs while growing resources for future generations.
It’s like the biblical parable of the talents. Those entrusted with resources were expected to put them to work, not simply hold on to them. Good stewardship means making our resources more productive for those we serve.
This principle also speaks to the future of the Hawaiian lāhui. When Native Hawaiians have the capacity to build and grow wealth, they are better equipped to shape their own future. That’s an important part of self-determination, regardless of the political path we pursue.
But there’s a clear warning we must heed. We must ensure accountability and honor the legislature’s requirements for these funds. We must be vigilant against fraud, waste or abuse.
This demands clear priorities, transparent reporting, measurable results, and careful oversight.
Financial management isn’t simply about growing money. It’s about making sure that money does the greatest possible good for our beneficiaries.
The $55 million is both an opportunity and a test of OHA’s capacity to be a responsible steward.
OHA can demonstrate best practices in financial stewardship, benefiting Native Hawaiians while setting an example for the entire state.
And that’s the kind of OHA I want to be part of – one that works together to meet today’s needs while building a stronger future for generations to come.