Legislative Liaison | Rowena Akana

Wrapping-up a historic year for OHA

Congratulations to all of the public servants elected in 2012. Campaigning can be a grueling process. I look forward to working with all of you in the 2013 Legislative Session to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians.

New Maui Trustee and OHA CEO

OHA began the year by welcoming new Maui Trustee, Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey, who was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie. Trustee Lindsey brought a much needed burst of new energy to the board with her knowledge, experience, and willingness to give her all for our beneficiaries.

OHA’s Administration underwent major changes with the appointment of Dr. Kamana’opono Crabbe as its new Ka Pouhana/CEO. I have been impressed by his exemplary work over the past eight months and I look forward to the positive changes he will bring to OHA in the coming year.

Appointed BAE Vice-Chair & Served as a Legislative Liaison

I was honored to be appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment (BAE), one of only two subject-matter committees under the Board. I worked closely with BAE Chair, Trustee John Waihe’e IV, on legislation and on-going programs. I also continued to serve as one of two “Legislative Liaisons” appointed by Trustee Waihe’e for the 2012 legislative session.

Protecting Kuleana Land Property Tax Exemptions

On November 22, 2011, the Star-Advertiser reported that the Real Property Tax Advisory Commission recommended that the City & County of Honolulu eliminate property tax exemptions for about 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including Kuleana Land owners.

On January 23, 2012, I testified before, the City Council’s Budget Committee hearing on the Real Property Tax Advisory Commission’s Report. I explained the heartbreaking history of Kuleana Lands and stressed to the Budget Committee Chair, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, that OHA strongly opposed the proposal. Thankfully, the matter was dropped (for now at least). Upon Councilmember Kobayashi’s recommendation, I worked to get the State Legislature to pass a resolution supporting the protection and preservation of Kuleana Lands.

On April 10, 2012, the State Senate adopted Senate Resolution (SR) 33 which urged the counties to preserve property tax exemptions for Kuleana Lands. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Senator Malama Solomon who introduced SR 33, and Senators Brickwood Galuteria, Gilbert Kahele, Donovan Dela Cruz, and Michelle Kidani for signing onto the resolution. I would like to give a big Mahalo to OHA staff members Breann Nu’uhiwa, Sterling Wong, Jim McMahon & Luci Meyer for all their efforts to get this resolution passed.

I would also like to send a special Mahalo to Representative Faye Hanohano for introducing the House versions of the resolutions, HCR 117 & HR 89. However, Speaker Calvin Say killed both resolutions in the Finance Committee so we need to try again next year.

Settlement Bill Passes

On April 11, 2012, in an emotional ceremony at Washington Place, Governor Abercrombie signed the historic $200 million settlement between the State and OHA. After many years of negotiations, OHA finally resolved all claims that were raised with the State relating to its portion of income from the public land trust from November 7, 1978 to June 30, 2012 on past due amounts owed. The State has now fulfilled its constitutional obligations to Native Hawaiians by providing OHA with fee simple title to lands in Kakaako makai. The proposal will not affect any other claims against the state.

Happy Thanksgiving

May each and every one of you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving full of wonderful food, family and friends. Aloha Ke Akua.

2012 Legislative Wrap-up

`Ano`ai kakou… Congratulations to all OHA Trustees and staff members for all of their dedication and hard work in getting the OHA/State Settlement agreement passed into law. The 2012 legislative session will surely be remembered as one of OHA’s most successful.

Legislative Liaison

As Vice-Chair of the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment (BAE) and one of two “Legislative Liaisons” for the 2012 legislative session, I had the distinct pleasure working closely with Senators Malama Solomon, Clayton Hee, and Brickwood Galuteria and Representative Faye Hanohano on issues relating to the Settlement and the preservation of Kuleana Lands.

Kaka’ako Makai

Senate Bill 682 proposed to add value to two parcels of land that are among the lands in Kaka’ako Makai that the OHA/State Settlement (Act 015) conveys to OHA. The right to develop residential structures on these two lots would add significant value and provide much needed revenue for our Nation.

On April 5, 2012, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that SB682 was likely dead in the House. However, the Senate’s Ways and Means and Judiciary and Labor committees added similar language into a related bill that had already passed the House — HB2819 — so the language for SB682 could still be heard in conference committee. HB2819 did not pass out of its conference committee before the end of session on May 3^rd and will need to be revisited in the next legislative session.

Protecting Kuleana Land Property Tax Exemptions

On January 23, 2012, I testified before, the City Council’s Budget Committee hearing on the Real Property Tax Advisory Commission’s Report. I explained to the members of the committee the heartbreaking history of Kuleana Lands and stressed to the Budget Committee Chair, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, that OHA strongly opposed the proposal. Thankfully, the matter was dropped (for now at least). However, upon Councilmember Kobayashi’s recommendation, I worked to get the State Legislature to pass a resolution supporting the protection and preservation of Kuleana Lands.

I would also like to send a special Mahalo to Representative Faye Hanohano for introducing House versions of the Kuleana Lands resolutions, House Concurrent Resolution 117 & House Resolution 89, and getting them approved by the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee. However, both resolutions did not get a hearing in the House Finance Committee despite my repeated requests to its Chair, Rep. Marcus Oshiro. Neither resolution called for any money to be appropriated so the question is why were they even referred to the House Finance Committee? Aloha Ke Akua.

At Long Last… A Historic OHA/State Settlement

`Ano`ai kakou… On April 11, 2012, in an emotional ceremony at Washington Place, Governor Abercrombie signed the historic $200 million settlement between the State and OHA. After many years of negotiations, OHA has finally resolved all claims that were raised with the State relating to its portion of income from the public land trust from November 7, 1978 to June 30, 2012. The State has now fulfilled its constitutional obligations to Native Hawaiians by providing OHA with fee simple title to lands in Kakaako makai. The proposal will not affect any other claims against the state.

I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to those who made this momentous settlement possible: Governor Neil Abercrombie; Senate President Shan Tsutsui; House Speaker Calvin Say; the Chairs of the House and Senate committees that heard the bill; the Native Hawaiian Caucus, and all of the legislators who voted for this historic settlement. I also thank the following Native Hawaiian organizations for their support: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Home Lands Assembly, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and Kamehameha Schools.

The lands that were transferred to OHA will someday generate the revenue needed to support OHA’s many Native Hawaiian programs. This process may take some time, but we are well on our way to someday being completely self-sufficient.

Senate Bill 682

The intent of Senate Bill 682 is to add value to two parcels of land that are among the lands in Kaka’ako Makai that SB2783 conveys to OHA. SB682 specifically proposes to allow certain lots in the makai area of Kakaako Community Development District to be developed for residential units and exempt from public facilities fees, provided that 20 percent of the units are designated for residents in the low- or moderate-income range.

OHA appreciates the bill’s intent and didn’t object to its passage — as long as it didn’t hurt the passage of SB 2783. The right to develop residential structures on these two lots would add significant value and provide much needed revenue for our Nation.

It should also be noted that OHA remains committed to the guiding principles of the Conceptual Master Plan and will address these principles in any application for development permits for the two lots. OHA will also be able to request entitlements for the S82783 properties in subsequent legislative sessions once OHA becomes the landowner.

On April 5, 2012, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that SB682 was likely dead in the House. However, the Senate’s Ways and Means and Judiciary and Labor committees added similar language into a related bill that had already passed the House — HB2819 — so if this House bill is approved by the full Senate, the language for SB682 could still be heard in conference committee before the end of session on May 3rd.

Senator Clayton Hee, Chairman of the Judiciary and Labor Committee, was quoted as saying, “It’s an important bill in terms of economic development, in terms of some of the members who felt — and continue to feel — that the settlement doesn’t meet the amount that should have been settled on.” Aloha Ke Akua.

OHA/State Settlement Update

`Ano`ai kakou… Two of the most important pieces of legislation in recent OHA history have been approved by committees in the State Senate and now looks toward consideration by the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 2783

On March 2, 2012, the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Labor and Ways and Means passed SB 2783 (part of Governor Abercrombie’s Legislative Package) UNAMENDED. SB 2783 will (1) Resolve all claims OHA has raised relating to its portion of income from the public land trust from November 7, 1978 to June 30, 2012; and (2) Fulfill constitutional obligations to Native Hawaiians by providing OHA with fee simple title to certain parcels of land situated in Kakaako makai. The proposal would not affect any other claims against the state. The bill now goes to the floor of the Senate for approval before it crosses over to the House.

I would like to thank everyone who supported S.B. 2783 including Governor Neil Abercrombie, the Attorney General; the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Kalihi Palama Hawaiian Civic Club, the O‘ahu Council Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, the Ko‘olau Foundation, Kako‘o ‘Oiwi, the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Once SB 2783 passes and the lands are transferred to OHA, the revenues generated by the parcels will help to support OHA’s many Native Hawaiian programs. However, this may take some time as we assess all of the options available to us and work through complicated property issues that need to be dealt with before the parcels are ready for use.

Senate Bill 682, Senate Draft 1

Also on March 2nd, the Senate Committees on Water, Land, and Housing and Judiciary and Labor passed SB 682 SD1. Essentially, SB 682 SD1 would allow residential development on two parcels (919 and 653 Ala Moana Blvd.) which will be conveyed to OHA if SB 2783 is approved by the legislature in its current form.

OHA, along with the Governor and Attorney General, testified in support of SB682 SD1. The Attorney General testified that he appreciates the bill’s intent and didn’t object to its passage as long as it does not hurt the passage of SB 2783 and is acceptable to the Legislature as a whole. OHA took the same position.

The right to develop residential structures on these two lots would add significant value and could someday provide the needed revenue for our Nation to be self-sufficient. It should also be noted that OHA remains committed to the guiding principles of the Conceptual Master Plan and will address these principles in any application for development permits for the two lots.

OHA Chair Colette Machado was quoted by KITV4 (March 2, 2012) that OHA would focus on affordable rental housing for Oahu’s workforce and not luxury condominiums. Chair Machado stated that “We could go up to 200 feet, and we are looking at residential as an opportunity as a home base for our people. We are talking rentals, not condos because we will not sell the ceded lands.” Governor Abercrombie was also quoted as saying “This is part of a whole idea of Kakaako as the third city in Honolulu. With this OHA settlement, Kakaako is going to be the place people want to be.” SB682 SD1 now heads over to the House for consideration. Aloha Ke Akua.

Refreshing Changes: Welcoming Maui Trustee Hulu Lindsey & OHA C.E.O. Dr. Kamana’opono Crabbe

March 2012 KA WAI OLA COLUMN

`Ano`ai kakou… This year has started off with several refreshing changes.

NEW MAUI TRUSTEE

First, OHA welcomed new Maui Trustee, Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey, who was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie. Trustee Lindsey will serve on an interim basis until November when a special election will be held to fill the remaining two years of Trustee Mossman’s term. Trustee Lindsey brings a burst of new energy to the board with her knowledge, experience, and willingness to give her all for our beneficiaries.

NEW OHA C.E.O.

Congratulations to Dr. Kamana’opono Crabbe on his appointment by the Board of Trustees as the new Chief Executive Officer of OHA. I have long admired his exemplary work over the past few years as OHA’s Research Director and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the position.

I am delighted that Dr. Crabbe’s lifetime of dedication and advocacy for Native Hawaiians is finally being recognized so appropriately. It is a comfort for me to know that our people have a true advocate within OHA. I am sincerely hoping that our staff members and Trustees will allow Dr. Crabbe to bring his own style of leadership to OHA, which may differ from previous administrations.

I look forward to working closely with both Trustee Hulu Lindsey and Dr. Crabbe this year to build a bright and sustainable future for all Native Hawaiians.

APPOINTED BAE VICE-CHAIR

I am pleased to report that I have been appointed Vice-Chair of the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment (BAE), one of the two subject-matter committees under the Board of Trustees. I will now be working closely with BAE Chair, Trustee John Waihe’e IV, on all federal and state legislation, on-going programs in health, housing, education, land, and the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund.

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

I will also continue to serve as one of two “Legislative Liaisons” appointed by Trustee Waihe’e for the 2012 legislative session. This is a crucial year for OHA as we intensely lobby the House and Senate for the passage of legislation to finally resolve the claims relating to OHA’s portion of income from the Public Land Trust between Nov. 7, 1978, and June 30, 2012. (House Bill 2521 & Senate Bill 2783). I look forward to putting my many years of lobbying experience and strong relationships with legislators to good use.

EMBRACE TRANSPARENCY

After several years and countless requests to the administration to televise OHA meetings, in a way similar to what the Honolulu City Council or the State Legislature are doing, OHA has finally taken a step in the right direction.

OHA is now broadcasting live board meetings from Honolulu to Kauai. Beneficiaries on Kauai should check OHA’s meeting notices or call 241-3390 to confirm whether there will be a live video conference broadcast to the Lihu’e State Office Building.

It is my hope that this will encourage the Administration to broadcast live OHA meetings to the other neighbor islands. Broadcasting all of our meetings will not only make Trustees more accessible to beneficiaries, but it will also allow beneficiaries to see how our board conducts its business. What a refreshing change that would be. Aloha Ke Akua.