HONOLULU – The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has officially submitted its legislative package to the Native Hawaiian Caucus for consideration in the upcoming 2025 session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature. The package, which includes four key bills, aims to address significant issues facing Hawai‘i and further OHA’s mission to improve the conditions of Native Hawaiians.

“The OHA package contains four bills that will help address pressing issues facing Hawai‘i as well as advance OHA’s mission to improve the conditions of Native Hawaiians,” stated OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson Kai Kahele.

Summary of the Four Bills:

1. Funding – Relating to the Budget of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs
   • OHA is requesting increases of $1,858,454 for FY26 and $1,996,208 for FY27 in general fund appropriations. These funds are necessary to adjust for inflation and support the newly established 13-member Strategy and Implementation (S&I) Team. The team will focus on reducing disparities faced by Native Hawaiians in health, housing, education, and economic development, providing measurable metrics for public and legislative review.
2. Public Lands Inventory and Audit – Relating to the Public Land Trust Working Group
   • This bill seeks funding for an independent audit of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Public Land Trust Inventory System. The audit will assess the accuracy of the land inventory and accounting systems to determine the 20% pro rata share of income and proceeds due annually to OHA from the public land trust.
3. Kaka‘ako Makai Bill – Relating to the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority
   • The proposed legislation aims to repeal the residential development prohibition on certain Kaka‘ako Makai land parcels, allowing OHA to maximize the land’s value. It includes provisions for raising the residential height limit along Ala Moana Boulevard to 400 feet, reserving 50% + 1 unit in any tower for essential workforce housing, and dedicating residential association fees to maintaining open spaces and public infrastructure.
4. Protection of Iwi Kūpuna – Relating to Burial Council Composition
   • This bill addresses quorum and composition issues of the Island Burial Councils by removing the designated landowner seat, allowing meetings with a quorum of seven members (five for Moloka‘i). Additional legislation may be supported to implement recommendations from the 2022 Burial Sites Working Group.

The Hawai‘i State Legislature is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, where these proposals will be considered. OHA’s legislative package reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing the welfare of Native Hawaiians and preserving cultural heritage.