Keli‘i Akina Sworn in as OHA Trustee

News Release from Office of Trustee Keli’i Akina PhD, Dec 18, 2020

Honolulu, HI – Keli‘i Akina was sworn in as Trustee at-Large of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on December 17, after his victory was certified by the state Office of Elections on December 14. Trustee Akina’s certification follows the Hawaii Supreme Court’s dismissal of an election challenge by his opponent.

This is Trustee Akina’s second term with the OHA Board of Trustees. 

“I am honored to continue my service to the Native Hawaiian community and to our state.  My goal has always been to strengthen OHA, and I look forward to working with the OHA Board of Trustees to address the many challenges we face,” Trustee Akina said. “I am deeply committed to empowering the Hawaiian people, and I believe the most significant way for me to contribute to that effort is by keeping OHA focused on the areas of housing, jobs, education and now more than ever, health care.” 

During his previous term, Trustee Akina served as Chair of an Advisory Committee that was tasked with crafting an audit of OHA and its limited liability companies. The Advisory Committee’s work resulted in procurement of global services firm Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), whose examination of the agency put OHA on notice of dozens of questionable transactions entered into by OHA and its subsidiaries from 2012 to 2016. 

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Keliʻi Akina sworn in as OHA Trustee

News Release from OHA, Dec 17, 2020

HONOLULU (December 17) – The Honorable Keith K. Hiraoka, an associate judge on the Intermediate Court of Appeals, administered the Oath of Office today to OHA Trustee At-Large Keliʻi Akina, who’s electoral win was certified by the State Office of Elections on Tuesday.

A legal challenge to his Election Day victory prevented Trustee Akina from joining his fellow trustees in the first set of post-election Board activities that were held on Dec. 10. The Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court’s dismissal of the complaint against Akina’s election win on Monday, Dec. 14, cleared the way for Akina to be sworn in and resume his trustee duties.

Trustee Akina is one of four OHA trustees who were recently elected to four-year terms.  Trustee Akina and Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Trustee Dan Ahuna were the only two incumbents re-elected.  Hawaiʻi Island Trustee Keola Lindsey and Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi Trustee Luana Alapa are new trustees to the Board.  The other three trustees who won their elections were sworn in by Judge Hiraoka on Dec. 10.

Immediately following the swearing in on Dec. 10, the OHA Board met for the first time since the election and voted for its new leadership, notably selecting Maui Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey as its chair.

OHA’s new board leadership is:

OHA Board:

• Chair: Hulu Lindsey, Maui trustee
• Vice Chair: Leinaʻala Ahu Isa, trustee at-large

Committee on Resource Management:

• Chair: John D. Waiheʻe IV, trustee at-large
• Vice Chair: Luana Alapa, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi trustee

Committee on Beneficiary and Advocacy:

• Chair: Kaleihikina Akaka, Oʻahu trustee
• Vice Chair: Keola Lindsey, Hawaiʻi Island trustee

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Keli‘i Akina to Begin Second Term as OHA Trustee

News Release from Office of OHA Trustee Keli’i Akina, PhD, Dec 15, 2020

Honolulu, HI – Keli‘i Akina’s victory in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-Large Trustee race was certified by the state Office of Elections on December 14. Trustee Akina will be sworn in as Trustee at-Large of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on December 17. Trustee Akina’s certification follows the Hawaii Supreme Court’s dismissal of an election challenge by his opponent.

This will be Trustee Akina’s second term with the OHA Board of Trustees. 

“I am honored to continue my service to the Native Hawaiian community and to our state.  My goal has always been to strengthen OHA, and I look forward to working with the OHA Board of Trustees to address the many challenges we face,” Trustee Akina said. “I am deeply committed to empowering the Hawaiian people, and I believe the most significant way for me to contribute to that effort is by keeping OHA focused on the areas of housing, jobs, education and now more than ever, health care.” 

During his previous term, Trustee Akina served as Chair of an Advisory Committee that was tasked with crafting an audit of OHA and its limited liability companies. The Advisory Committee’s work resulted in procurement of global services firm Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), whose examination of the agency put OHA on notice of dozens of questionable transactions entered into by OHA and its subsidiaries from 2012 to 2016. 

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Supreme Court confirms my election victory!

From Keli’i Akina Campaign, Dec 15, 2020

I have good news to share with you.

On Monday, the State of Hawaii certified the results of the November 3rd election, officially confirming that I won the contest for OHA Trustee-at-Large with 197,829 votes.

My opponent had filed a last-minute suit challenging the election process, but the Hawaii Supreme Court upheld my victory.

I am deeply grateful to you and all who have supported our campaign.

It has taken a monumental effort to ensure that I can continue to bring integrity and effectiveness to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

There is much left to be done, it's not too early to think ahead and prepare ourselves for the next campaign.

I invite you to continue standing with me in public office with a "celebration" contribution:

The battle to bring transparency and accountability to government must go on. That's the only way the needs of Hawaiians and the public will be served.

Please accept my deepest gratitude for your support, and... E Hana Kākou! (Let's work together!)

Your public servant,

Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D.
Trustee-at-Large, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

DISCLAIMER:  This is a campaign message from me in my private capacity and does not represent nor use resources of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

PDF: Supreme Court Ruling