OHA trustees defer CEO decision after hours of testimony
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Under intense public scrutiny and political pressure, trustees at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are delaying a decision on selecting a new CEO.
Former Honolulu City Council member Todd Apo — who also has a long career in development — had majority support Wednesday, but a wave of last-minute testimony against him shifted the debate.
After hours of passionate testimony, most of those who showed up testified against Apo.
In a 5-4 vote, the board decided to defer a decision until Nov. 2, the day before the general election.
Apo faces criticism during testimony
Apo, a nonprofit and corporate executive, sat through the meeting with his wife during a torrent of testimony and criticism — as the board struggles to develop Kakaʻako Makai and to get what is owed from Hawaiian crown lands.
Testifiers included Mehanaokalā Hind of the Hawaiian Council and current lawmakers, including Honolulu City Council member Esther Kiaʻāina, who rushed to the OHA offices to testify, and current OHA candidate Ke’eaumoku Kapu.
Summer Sylva has been interim CEO for over a year during a legal battle with CEO Stacy Ferreira, who is on paid leave.
The third candidate is Kaulana Park, former Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director.
On Wednesday, an OHA joint subcommittee voted 5-4 for Apo as the next CEO. Trustees Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Luana Alapa, Kalei Akaka, Keliʻi Akina and John Waiheʻe IV supported Apo.
Supporting Sylva were Chair Kai Kahele, Keoni Souza, Brickwood Galuteria and Dan Ahuna.
Supporters divided over leadership
Kaui Pratt-Aquino testified in support of Sylva because of attacks by the federal government: “There’s only one candidate who meets that moment, and it’s Summer.”
“We don’t need a developer or someone friendly with developers to run OHA,” said Davis Price, who criticized Apo’s corporate ties.
Germaine Meyers was the only member of the public testifying in support of Apo Thursday, and said she supported Apo for fair treatment, not personal gain.
OHA Chair Kai Kahele acknowledged the division on the board, telling Apo the split reflects the important issues he would face if selected.
Trustee Carmen Hulu Lindsey said Apo sounded like a “no-nonsense administrator,” adding she has not been happy with Sylva as interim administrator.
Behind the scenes, there were intense political discussions. Trustees Akaka, Lindsey and Souza are running for reelection.
Ferreira’s contract expires at the end of October.
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