Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board Shuffled
Following the general election, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees underwent a major shakeup that removed its longest-serving member and brought in an ex-Honolulu City Council member through a packed statewide competition, according to Hawaii News Now.
The at-Large Contest
With six contenders competing for three available positions in the at-large race, initial ballot counts maintained tension among participants until the final statewide tallies confirmed the victors. Keoni Souza, the current vice chair, secured first place, trailed by ex-Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson and sitting trustee Brickwood Galuteria.
The Ouster of John Waiheʻe IV
Trustee John Waiheʻe IV finished fourth and was unseated with more than 1,000 votes behind Galuteria. Waiheʻe is the son of former Hawaiʻi Gov. John Waiheʻe and had served on the OHA board for 26 years.
Souza described an emotional roller coaster as ballots were processed across the islands. The second printout showed him 295 votes away from John Waiheʻe. When the neighbor islands came in, and the final Oʻahu printout dropped, Souza took the number-one spot.
Evolving voter demographics played a role in the unexpected defeat, according to Healani Sonoda-Pale associated with Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi. She noted that Waiheʻe had originally secured his position largely on the coattails of his father’s name recognition.
Incumbents Retain Their Seats
Meanwhile, incumbent trustees Carmen Hulu Lindsey and Kalei Akaka retained their seats. Carmen Hulu Lindsey, the sitting trustee and past board chair, successfully defended her Maui island seat by overcoming challenger Keʻeaumoku Kapu. On Oʻahu, incumbent Trustee Kalei Akaka secured re-election over challenger Hinaleimoana Wong.
Anderson Positions Himself as a Potential Swing Vote
Analysts of the political landscape suggest that Anderson’s addition might establish him as a deciding vote on a board that was previously split between a governing majority led by Chair Kai Kahele and a block supporting past chair Lindsey. Anderson stated he was able to work with everyone on a divided Honolulu City Council and looks forward to working with the eight other trustees.
To sum up in one word: grateful. I really need to understand exactly what’s happening and have the opportunity to talk with my colleagues and have firsthand experience as to exactly what’s going on, but to be clear, I have no predetermined conclusion as to I’m going here, I’m going there.
OHA beneficiary Jacob Aki reflected on the historical weight of the election and the challenges ahead for the incoming board.
From a 30,000-foot level, this was a race of political legacies in the Native Hawaiian community. As someone who follows the board and business, my hope is that they are able to come together.
Upcoming Investiture Ceremony
An investiture ceremony planned for Dec. 14 will feature the newly decided trustees taking their oaths of office, choosing leadership roles, and naming a new chief executive officer.
