Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 1, 1 January 2016 — Pono is the best policy [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Pono is the best policy

Looking back on 20 15, it would be safe to say it was a wonderfully challenging but productive year for the OHA Board

of Trustees. And as we look ahead to 20 16, we expect the next 12 months to be no different. For starters, our nationbuilding efforts remain among the significant lingering issues. Just as significant are our suggested amendments to the Department of Interior's proposed administrative rule to provide a procedure for

re-establishing a formal govern-ment-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community. Then there is the ongoing Nā Wai 'Ehā issue in Central Maui, where our continued participation in the eontested case hearing remains critically important to protecting the traditional and customary rights of beneficiaries. Another lingering issue is Mauna Kea, whieh has presented us with an opportunity to address some longstanding unresolved matters that have been raised by our people, who want to benefit from responsible stewardship of the mountain. Other lingering issues range from our concerns about the future of Kaho'olawe to the master plan we are developing for property we own in Kaka'ako Makai, whieh could potentially bring millions into OHA to help fund community-based programs aimed at improving conditions for Native Hawaiians. On top of all that remain our quests for a seat at the Papahānaumoku table as well as our fair share of Public Land Trust revenue that we are constitutionally entitled to help address the needs of our people. These are just some of the opportunities that would eonhnue to help us reap considerably greater rewards for the beneficiaries who have entrusted us to maintain the hnaneial accountability of OHA's assets. As Chairperson, my most important responsibility this year will be helping to ensure that we are being

competent stewards, making sure that our organization is complying with rules, acting with

financial integrity, and operatina effectively and

ethically. Being competent stewards also means being open and honest with eaeh other and the CEO. In addition, it means passionately challenging and supporting efforts in pursuit of OHA's mission. For my part, it means being fair minded, thoughtful, purposeful, and strategic. It also means doing my very best not to put the organiza-

tion at risk. In the year ahead, I intend to continue to work closely with my colleagues and our CEO. In fact, I strongly believe that we cannot govern well as a board without the CEO's collaboration, and the CEO cannot lead OHA to its full potential without the board's support. In the year ahead, we all must exercise our authority in the organization's best interests and set aside personal agendas. Let's encourage questions and offer answers; let's share bad news early and openly; and let's weleome differing points of view and strategic thinking at the board table. In the December eolumn, I said I would be hanging nine ornaments on our OHA tree: kākou; mālama; kuleana; Kūlia; po'okela; ho'omau; transparency; accountability; and integrity. In the New Year, these ornaments would be converted into resolutions. I will make good on that promise. As we jump into a New Year, let's jump into it with goodness and pono. It was radio host Dennis Prager who onee said: "Goodness is about character, integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else it's about how we treat other people." And it was Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius who onee said: "If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it." Hauoli makahiki hou. ■

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Rūbert K. Lindsey, Jr. Chair, TrustEE, Hawai'i