Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 2, 1 February 1998 — Whither are we bound? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Whither are we bound?

When I was elected in the 1990 statewide elections for the OHA Board, I was filled with pride and honor knowing I would be serving our people, the Hawaiians. Early organization of the board was done without any conflict and the standing committees were similarly appointed. In 1991, we were asked to do an intemal investigation relative to allegations that a group representing "Uhaele," loeal and mainland investors who were interested in developing the ceded lands, that the State would be tuming over to OHA onee negotiations were completed. Tmstee Hee was assigned to and carried out the investigation whieh brought about a change in the oiganization, including his eleehon as chairman of the board. Chairman Hee started his plans for OHA and our beneficiaries, for short term and long term goals. The years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 were productive years. Many programs benefitting our beneficiaries and

sister agencies were instituted and established. OHA and its leadership was on track, fulfilling OHA's mission. We were well on our way to success with many initiatives, despite intemal problems and disagreements among tmstees. Some even said that Chairman Hee and I were not handling the tmst funds as we should and were not revealing the correct total of the fund. This was incorrect. Other charges and allegations were also unfounded.

Wheie are we going today since the recent reorganization engineered by Madame Chair Frenchy DeSoto? I sense confusion and disorganization. In a memo sent

to Chair DeSoto on Dec. 15, 1 raised serious eoncems about the spending of our tmst funds by the present board. The recent meetings held at Hikon Hawaiian Village Dec. 19-20 were pure extravagance. Such a conference could have been held at other locations at no cost to OHA. New positions added, temporary employees hired, reallocations upward without regard to meeting the minimum requirements, staying within the "B" budget that was adopted. No landing fees for two years and other revenues withheld by the Govemoi; and the case on appeal at the 1 Supreme Court in Feb. 1998. Are we foolhardy | enough to spend without regard to our revenue I sources? TJhpre is a need for us to know how the chair i intends to maintain our revenues to meet current

operating expenses and new programs. If spending continues as it has since the reorganization of the board, I foresee real problems ahead for OHA. That is why I pose the question: Whither are we bound? ■

.- Wm : : ' TRUSTEE MESSAGES

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