Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 1999 — CLAIMS PANEL [ARTICLE]

CLAIMS PANEL

As members of the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust Individual Claims Review Panel, we feel we must respond to Francis Paul Keeno's recent letter implying the panel is biased. Mr. Keeno did not disclose that he is a Deputy Attorney General representing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in the claims review process. In other words, Mr. Keeno argues against the majority of beneficiaries who have filed claims. His view of the panel, therefore, has its own bias. With regard to charges the panel's decisions have been skewed because a panel member filed a elaim against DHHL, Mr. Keeno failed to inform your readers that panel member resigned from the panel in order to avoid such charges, even through a confidential advisory from the State Ethics Commission concluded there was no conflict under state law. This panel member, a valued community representative, resigned more than two years ago. Mr. Keeno's remarks were unprofessional and showed poor judgment. We do not believe his sentiments represent those of his client. Mahalo for this opportunity to respond. Peter Trask, Chairperson Marie MacDonald, Vice chairperson Warren C.R. Perry, Member

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Ka Leo Kaiaulu