Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 7, 1 July 1993 — OHA Board Business [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA Board Business

Na kuleana a ka Papa Kahu waiwai

by Elien Blomquist Public Information Officer

The Board of Trustees had its regular business meeting Thursday, June 3, 1993 at the Waimea Community Center on the island of Hawai'i. All trustees were present with the exception of Trustee Moses K. Keale who was excused. The following summarizes board actions during this meeting. Appropriation of funds for an information campaign and approval of a Request for Proposals. The board approved the allocation of $200,000 to eontinue a media information eampaign begun last February. Formal research, such as focus groups, and informal results, such as increased telephone calls and response of other Hawaiian agencies, showed that informational television spots were very well received by the Hawaiian eommunity. Focus group participants commented on how helpful it was to see the different programs run or sponsored by OHA. Many added that it felt good to see Hawaiians pictured in a positive way. As part of this action, the board also approved the issuance of a request for proposals on another information campaign. The RFP was to be issued June 9, with proposals due June 23 and a decision to be made by June 30. Hawaiian Projects Fund. OHA engages in several activities that produce revenue, includīng Ka Wai Ola advertising and OHA-sponsored programs such as the Native Hawaiian Land Title Project. The Board

approved transferring the funds from these sources from the state treasury, where they are currently held, to accounts for short-term cash investments. This way OHA ean collect interest on these accounts. Renewing Contracts for OHA Attorneys. The Board approved renewing contracts securing legal services of four attomeys currently working for OHA. OHA's various activities, from executing contracts to drafting legislation to pursuing entitlements, often require legal counsel. It is more cost-effective to have attomeys on retainer who are familiar with OHA and its different activities than to hire new ones on a case-by-ca.se basis and bring them up to speed. Contracts were

renewed for Earl Anzai, to eontinue working with the state on resolving past-due entitlement issues; Sherry Broder as counsel to the Board (see story this page); Charlotte Lihman to act as inhouse counsel for administrative matters; and Larry Okinaga to complete work on OHA's plan to establish a for-profit financial services subsidiary. Kuleana Escheat Cases. In 1987, legislation ensured that kuleana lands with no known heirs or takers were to revert to OHA, rather than revert to (escheat) the state. This ensured that Hawaiian lands would stay in Hawaiian hands. In a 1989 amendment, courts were required to name OHA as a party in quiet title actions affecting kuleana

lands. This ensured that OHA would be notified of these actions and be able to assert elaim if neeessary. OHA has been involved in two kuleana land cases recently and the board took action on them at this meeting. The board decided to pursue the kuleana interest in a parcel on Kaua'i and to disclaim interest in a parcel on the island of Hawai'i in favor of a Hawaiian heir whose family could show continuous possession of the property. The next business meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, July 2, 1993 on the island of Maui. Call the OHA Newsline for further updates on time and location of the board and other committee meetings.