MAI KA LUNA HO'OKELE - FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

Reinforcing accountability

Clyde Nāmu'o, OHA Adminstrator

Over the past year, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has been increasingly accused in the media, the Internet and in public of mismanaging its funds. These accusations have ranged from anger and a generalized perception of distrust to specific grievances on contracts, grant awards or other expenditures.

For example, OHA has been criticized for the process of awarding small grants for Kau Inoa registration initiatives at public events, and the costs for advertising and merchandise such as T-shirts. We have been criticized about the awarding of administrative grants and OHA's contractual relationship with Hawai'i Maoli, the nonprofit organization that maintains the Kau Inoa registry. OHA has been further criticized on the Internet for the appearance of impropriety and accused of favoritism and nepotism. And there is much more.

The motivations behind these criticisms are varied. Given their detail and content, we can only believe that some come from disgruntled former or possibly current employees. Others may come from people or organizations that seek to dismantle OHA, lobby against the current Trustees, discredit staff or to advance their own agenda for (or against) Hawaiians. Some criticisms come from the belief that OHA, as a State agency, cannot represent Hawaiian interests given the illegal overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Regardless of the motivation, the net effect of these criticisms is the undermining of OHA's credibility and our ability to provide necessary services and advocacy for Hawaiians. These accusations are a distraction from our mission to better the conditions of Hawaiians. They are further debilitating and demoralizing to OHA staff, as well as a contributing source to turnover within the organization.

However, to categorically dismiss these accusations as false is also a disservice to Hawaiians who demand nothing less than the highest standards of accountability and hold a genuine desire for OHA to improve itself and better the conditions of Hawaiians. Perhaps the most consistent criticism made to OHA during the past year was to be more transparent in our expenditures and decision-making.

Therefore, OHA is reinforcing accountability. I have directed my senior staff to undertake a thorough and comprehensive effort to review the accusations presented. The findings will be made available for public review through Ka Wai Ola o OHA and posted on OHA's web site in the coming months.

In addition to these activities, I have directed that a detailed accounting be made of all the expenditures related to OHA's Nation Building, Kau Inoa and Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Akaka Bill) initiatives. Further, I have directed that an internal evaluation of the Kau Inoa Small Grants Program be conducted and that a full listing of the Small Grant awards be posted in all future OHA Annual Grant reports. I expect the detailed accounting and evaluation projects to be completed this summer. Both reports will be presented to the Board of Trustees, highlighted in Ka Wai Ola o OHA and posted in their entirety on the OHA web site.

It is my intent that by providing this information, the level of discourse and debate can rise beyond accusation and innuendo against OHA. Our discussions should not be based on attacks, but on the facts. The focus of debate should be on policy direction and strategy for improving the conditions of Hawaiians.

Toward this end, OHA will be reaching out into the community in the later part of this year as part of a new strategic planning effort. This will be an important opportunity for Hawaiians to express their mana'o and offer suggestions on the direction Hawaiians should be undertaking in the coming years.

There is much to do for Hawaiians, and we all share a kuleana. OHA, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Kamehameha Schools or any other entity for that matter cannot resolve our challenges single-handedly, nor should anyone be expected to. Improving the quality of life for Hawaiians will require all of us to not only be self-reliant, but collectively benefit from each other's strengths and overcome each other's weaknesses. I hope that in the coming months you will be part of the process to help strengthen OHA and chart the way forward for us to achieve our full potential as Hawaiians.

Mahalo nui loa.