OHA on the State's settlement offer
HONOLULU – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs thanked Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his leadership in offering property in Kaka‘ako as payment to cover a settlement of past due amounts owed the organization from ceded land payments. “Although we realize there is more work ahead of us, we are extremely excited and encouraged about the potential of this news to help OHA continue its mission, and to continue to support education, job training and social service programs” said OHA Chairperson Colette Machado. “It also represents a major milestone and the most critical stage in the process to provide hope for a brighter future for Native Hawaiians and all of Hawai‘i Nei.” Between now and the end of the year, OHA will hold a series of meetings with community members on each island across the state. The purpose of the meetings will be to engage them in discussions about this proposal and its implications for the Native Hawaiian community and all of Hawaii, Machado said. “We will be doing our due diligence on this proposal to make sure it makes sense for OHA and the Native Hawaiian people,” said Clyde W. Nämu‘o, OHA Chief Executive Officer. “Our first obligation is to make sure there are no legal or other barriers to using the land in the best interests of Native Hawaiians.” Nämu‘o said OHA’s vision is to create a master plan to utilize the land in consultation with key stakeholders, such as Kamehameha Schools, the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the University of Hawaii as well as members of the community, and noted that revenue derived from the land would be used to support OHA and Native Hawaiians into the future. “We look forward to working with the members of the legislature as they deliberate the possible conveyance of these valuable and historic properties,” Nämu‘o said. “As policymakers, they have the keen responsibility for balancing the needs of our entire community. OHA is convinced that the members of the legislature will see the wisdom of resolving this longstanding controversy.” A schedule of meetings will be released once they are finalized, and will be posted on OHA’s website at www.oha.org. Anyone interested can also sign up for OHA news alerts on the website, and the meeting schedule will be e-mailed to them. Email comments or questions to Kakaako.comments@oha.org |
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