Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 9, 1 September 1990 — Update on OHA's 'Operation Hoʻokuleana' [ARTICLE]

Update on OHA's 'Operation Hoʻokuleana'

By Rodney Kealiimahiai Burgess, Co-Chair OHA Committee on Native Hawaiian Status and Entitlements Major milestones were attained this past legislative session for Hawaiians and our culture. OHA's claims to 20 percent of all revenue generated on ceded lands by the State of Hawai'i were finally resolved when the governor signed Act 304 into law. OHA will now receive approximately $8.5 million per year to fund programs for Native Hawaiians, an increase of over $7.2 million. In addition, past-due entitlements dating back to 1980 were settled with OHA receiving over $105 million in land and money. The land selection is now being negotiated. Finally after 10 long years, OHA has its rightful funds and resources to attain its intended purpose. While this settlement provides the necessary funds for Native Hawaiians (50 percent or more blood quantum), it does not resolve how OHA is to obtain funding and perhaps lands for all Hawaiians.