Six Contenders Compete for Three At-Large OHA Trustee Positions

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – Six candidates are competing for three at-large trustee seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), a contest that includes both familiar political figures and fresh faces. They will participate in a panel discussion scheduled for Thursday.

Among the contenders are Adrian Kealiʻi Akina, who teaches Hawaiian history at Kamehameha Schools. He emphasized the importance of education regarding housing and self-determination. Ikaika Anderson, a former Honolulu City Council member, stressed responsible and transparent decision-making. Educator Kanekoa Crabbe criticized the disconnect he perceives between OHA and the community. Other candidates include Brickwood Galuteria, who aims to create opportunities for future generations, current Vice Chair Keoni Souza, who discussed military land leases, and long-serving trustee John Waiheʻe IV, who expressed concerns about potential threats to OHA.