HONOLULU (July 1, 2025) – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) biennium budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 takes effect today, marking a major milestone in the agency’s commitment to strengthening programs and services for Native Hawaiian communities, while also investing in its workforce.
The newly approved two-year spending plan totals just over $136 million and reflects many months of thoughtful deliberation between the OHA Board of Trustees and the Administration.
“This budget reflects our deep commitment to both our beneficiaries and our employees,” said OHA Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Trustees rolled up their sleeves and engaged the details like never before — offering and approving amendments live at the table, line by line, in full public view. What emerged wasn’t just a budget, but a clear, transparent expression of shared priorities for our lāhui.”
A supermajority of OHA Trustees approved the budget on Monday, following extensive discussions to align spending with the OHA Strategic Plan. From the start, Trustees and the Administration agreed on roughly 80% of the budget — excluding increases to travel and personnel costs, which include unanimous, Board-approved salary adjustments for staff earning under $100,000, as well as executive releveling proposed by the Administrator. Deliberations centered on building consensus around the remaining 20% — discretionary funds for programs directly supporting OHA’s mission.
“Our Board and our Administration worked together to move forward with unity,” said OHA Chief Executive Officer Stacy Ferreira. “Our budget reflects our shared commitment to uplifting Native Hawaiian communities and staying grounded in our kuleana.”
Key budget highlights include:
· OHA’s largest-ever investment in Hawaiian Focused Charter Schools;
· Expanded beneficiary services staff to meet growing needs;
· Strong support for Native Hawaiian–led and -focused programs, such as Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani and the University of Hawaiʻi Native Hawaiian Health program, facing federal funding cuts.
· Pay equity adjustments and increases for employees, many of whom have gone years without wage growth;
· Introduction of 12 weeks paid family leave, setting a new standard among state agencies.
“OHA aims to be an employer of choice,” Chair Kahele added. “We can only provide an excellent level of service to our beneficiaries if we also provide our employees with the support and recognition they deserve.”
Ferreira emphasized, “To fulfill the bold goals we’ve set in education, health, economic resilience, and housing, we need both strong programs and strong people. This budget ensures we have both.”
The new biennium budget represents more than a financial plan—it is a declaration of values, shaped by dialogue, unity, and a shared vision for a thriving lāhui.
