Press Releases

OHA Board approves emergency relief for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries impacted by Lala weather events

HONOLULU (Aug 17, 2026) — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees today approved emergency assistance for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries and communities impacted by the Lala Weather Events, with initial priority given to the severely affected Kaʻū region…

Office of Hawaiian Affairs to Produce Statewide Televised Candidate Forums for 2026 Board of Trustees Election

HONOLULU (Aug 11, 2026) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) will produce a series of televised candidate forums featuring candidates seeking election to the five OHA Board of Trustees seats on the November 2026 General Election ballot. The forums…

Court dismisses all claims against OHA trustees; strikes unauthorized filing

Rulings narrow the dispute to Ferreira vs. OHA and affirm the Board of Trustees and its chosen counsel will direct the agency’s litigation going forward. Judge Steven Nichols today ruled on five pending motions in Ferreira v. Office of Hawaiian…

Hawaiian Council Convention keynote speech by OHA Interim Administrator Summer Sylva

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Launches National Search for Chief Executive Officer

HONOLULU (July 31, 2026)  – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees has officially launched a nationwide search for the agency’s next Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, inviting accomplished leaders with a commitment to public service, stewardship, and Native Hawaiian…

An open letter from Office of Hawaiian Affairs Interim Chief Administrator Summer Sylva

Aloha nui kākou, It is an honor of a lifetime to serve our community through OHA. We strive to be worthy of our roles, to exceed your expectations, and to work tirelessly to fulfill a mission the people of Hawaiʻi…

OHA Seeks Nonprofit Partners for FY27 Mālama Honua Grant for Nonprofits Program

HONOLULU (July 6, 2026) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is seeking qualified Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations to administer its FY27 Mālama Honua Home Improvement/Renovation Program Grant for Nonprofits (FY27 Mālama Honua Grant for Nonprofits), a home repair initiative designed…

OHA Board Advances Historic Opportunity to Expand Native Hawaiian Ownership in Media

The Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) today voted to advance further evaluation and due diligence regarding a potential acquisition involving KITV and KIKU, recognizing the proposal as a rare and potentially transformational opportunity aligned with…

OHA Acknowledges Senate Armed Services Committee Action on FY2027 NDAA Provisions Relating to Hawaiʻi Military Leased Lands

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) acknowledges the passage in the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee of key provisions within the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that address the future of military-leased lands in Hawaiʻi, including lands…

Native Hawaiian Students Set to Participate in ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA 2026

(HONOLULU) June 17, 2026 — Forty-three Native Hawaiian high school students will be in Honolulu next week to take part in ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA 2026, a week-long residential leadership, mock legislature and civic education program. The session opens Monday,…