The Office of Hawaiian Affairs honored a newly elected trustee and four re-elected trustees during an investiture ceremony Tuesday at Central Union Church.
More than 500 people attended the event for newly elected trustee Dan Ahuna representing Kauai; Chairwoman Colette Machado, who ran unopposed to represent Molokai; At-Large Trustee Haunani Apoliona; Robert Lindsey Jr., representing Hawaii island; and Carmen Hulu Lindsey, representing Maui.
Royal benevolent societies, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and legislators were among the guests who attended the ceremony.
After the formal introduction of the trustees, OHA officials highlighted some of their major accomplishments of the year, including the agreement reached between OHA and the state to settle long-standing ceded-land claims.
Machado announced that the parties have completed and finalized the settlement over a 25-year dispute concerning the amount owed to the independent state agency from revenues generated by lands that once belonged to the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie in April transferred to OHA 30 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million. "This land will generate millions of dollars to take care of our people in current and future generations and ensure a strong and vibrant nation," Machado said.
She also discussed the launch of Kana‘iolowalu, the Native Hawaiian roll launched by the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. Attendees applauded as Machado recognized former Gov. John Waihee and Clyde Namuo, former OHA administrator and chief executive officer, for their leading efforts in the roll commission.
"‘Unrelinquished, undeterred and unified to rebuild the Hawaiian nation.’ This is the slogan of Kana‘iolowalu," she said, adding that spreading the call to reunify in the self-recognition of their unrelinquished sovereignty will be OHA’s top priority next year.
OHA Chief Executive Officer Kamana‘opono Crabbe said the agency’s immediate future depends on collaborating more with partners in all levels of government. Through their relationships with community partners, Crabbe said, they plan to continue perpetuating Hawaiian culture, protecting natural resources and improving the health and economic well-being of Hawaiian families.
OHA also will work closely with the Hawaii Community Development Authority in the upcoming year on plans for the 30 acres in Kakaako. OHA put up a request for a proposal for a contractor for the planning of land management of the parcels and development design services.
Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, delivered the keynote address in which he spoke of leadership and courage of the late legendary waterman Eddie Aikau. He tied Aikau’s leadership to that of OHA and its mission.
Thompson recalled their ill-fated 1978 voyage when the double-hulled canoe Hokule‘a capsized in the Kaiwi Channel. Aikau grabbed his surfboard and paddled toward Lanai to seek help for his fellow crew members.
It was the last time Aikau was seen.
Thompson also spoke about the many lives Aikau saved while he worked as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay.
Aikau’s father, Pop Aikau, who attended the ceremony, received a standing ovation by attendees as Thompson recognized him during his speech.
