Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 11, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1994 — Vindicated at last! [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Vindicated at last!

by Moses K. Keale, Sr. Trustee, Kaua'i & Ni'ihau BUT WHAT

TOOK SO LONG? After a little more than three years I have finally been vindicated of charges that I signed, on behalf of OHA, a eontract with Uhaele Incorporated, a

Nevada-based development group whieh had been seeking to do business with OHA. On May 5, 1991 I voluntarily stepped down as Chairman of the OHA Board of Trustees

and insisted that the Attorney General and the Ethics Commission conduct investieations to remove

any cloud of doubt of my innoeenee in the Uhaele Group matter. In my 14 years of service to the Hawaiian people, I have always adhered to the principle that the

people eome First and that we, as elected trustees, should always look at what is best for those we serve. In October of 1992, after 17 months, the Attorney

General's investigation found that I did not sign the contract with the Uhaele Group. And now. after three and a half years the Ethics Commission has cleared me of allegations that had been raised in connection with the activities of the Uhaele Group and its members. The Ethics Commission writes it "began its investigation in May of 1991. The Ethics Commission did, however, conduct a substantial investigation into the allegations. Our office has evaluated the information that we have collected. At this point our office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence of a

violation of the State Ethics Code to warrant any further investigation. We will be clos-

ing our investigation and, absent any new information, will not be proceeding any

further with this matter." I have always held the fum belief that any investigation would vindicate and clear my name and this has proven to be the case. I just can't believe it took this long!

When the Attorney General was asked to investigate the illegal voting procedure of the OHA Administrator, it took only six months! On behalf of my family and myself I thank Ke Akua for clearing my name and I look forward to a brighter and better new year. On that note, I wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have always helel the firm belief that any investigation woulel vindicate and clear my name and this has proven to be the case. I just can't believe it took this long!