Bob Lindsey, Hawai`i Island Trustee, Office of Hawaiian Affairs: OHA Trustees Correct the Record
OHA Trustees Correct the Record
Aloha käkou,
During the past several weeks, inaccurate and false information about the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been printed in and transmitted through several sources – online blogs, newspaper articles, letters-to-the editor, and email, to name a few.
We will here correct the record.
These falsehoods are being purposely circulated to discredit OHA and to disparage the hard work of the trustees, administration and staff who tirelessly labor each day to “better the conditions” of Native Hawaiians.
This misinformation campaign hurts the Hawaiian people by perpetuating the stereotype that Hawaiians are unable to work cohesively toward the betterment of their community.
We are not saying that no one can disagree with the position of OHA. On the contrary, we believe a healthy discussion is derived from different points of view regarding the betterment of the Native Hawaiian people.
But these attacks against OHA have been vicious, spiteful and, in some cases, very personal toward people merely carrying out their duties and responsibilities. These attacks are largely based on half-truths, innuendos and inaccurate information.
Here are the facts:
OHA’s Financial Status:
By law, OHA’s financial transactions are audited annually, and its management is audited by the State Office of the Auditor every four years. In fact, the state auditor will begin an examination within two months. Such close scrutiny does not allow OHA to “ tinker with the books.” You can find the financial audits from 2004 on our website at www.OHA.org. The state auditor’s reports are online at www.hawaii.gov/auditor.
In light of those facts, OHA’s opposition to the senate resolution this last session calling for a financial and management audit was simply based on the absence of need for such scrutiny.
Our commitment to serve Hawaiians financially can be best summed up in our upcoming 2008 Grants Report scheduled to be released by the end of the month. It will show that OHA awarded more than $18 million in grants in the fiscal year that ended June 30. These grants are on top of millions of dollars in loans approved for business, educational and home improvement purposes in our Mälama Loan program.
Kau Inoa:
OHA cannot and does not use the Kau Inoa registry. OHA provided a grant to Hawai‘i Maoli to conduct the Kau Inoa registration program. Hawai‘i Maoli houses and manages the database of names. OHA only has access to the database to ensure compliance with state law and to verify Hawaiian ancestry when requested by the applicant. OHA does not have unrestricted access to the Kau Inoa database.
OHA Trustee Salary:
The Trustee salary adjustment was proposed to the Legislature by a salary commission appointed by the governor. The law requires that every four years. The Legislature is authorized by law to reject the recommendation. In this case, they did not. The trustees had nothing to do with either action.
These are just a few of the items but we invite you to visit OHA’s website, www.OHA.org, where you will be able to read for yourself information on OHA programs, budget and other projects. We are committed to sharing with you the most up-to-date and accurate information available.
Me ka ha‘a ha‘a,
Walter M. Heen
Oz Stender
Boyd Mossman
Donald Cataluna
Robert Lindsey
John Waihe‘e IV
During the past several weeks, inaccurate and false information about the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been printed in and transmitted through several sources – online blogs, newspaper articles, letters-to-the editor, and email, to name a few.
We will here correct the record.
These falsehoods are being purposely circulated to discredit OHA and to disparage the hard work of the trustees, administration and staff who tirelessly labor each day to “better the conditions” of Native Hawaiians.
This misinformation campaign hurts the Hawaiian people by perpetuating the stereotype that Hawaiians are unable to work cohesively toward the betterment of their community.
We are not saying that no one can disagree with the position of OHA. On the contrary, we believe a healthy discussion is derived from different points of view regarding the betterment of the Native Hawaiian people.
But these attacks against OHA have been vicious, spiteful and, in some cases, very personal toward people merely carrying out their duties and responsibilities. These attacks are largely based on half-truths, innuendos and inaccurate information.
Here are the facts:
OHA’s Financial Status:
By law, OHA’s financial transactions are audited annually, and its management is audited by the State Office of the Auditor every four years. In fact, the state auditor will begin an examination within two months. Such close scrutiny does not allow OHA to “ tinker with the books.” You can find the financial audits from 2004 on our website at www.OHA.org. The state auditor’s reports are online at www.hawaii.gov/auditor.
In light of those facts, OHA’s opposition to the senate resolution this last session calling for a financial and management audit was simply based on the absence of need for such scrutiny.
Our commitment to serve Hawaiians financially can be best summed up in our upcoming 2008 Grants Report scheduled to be released by the end of the month. It will show that OHA awarded more than $18 million in grants in the fiscal year that ended June 30. These grants are on top of millions of dollars in loans approved for business, educational and home improvement purposes in our Mälama Loan program.
Kau Inoa:
OHA cannot and does not use the Kau Inoa registry. OHA provided a grant to Hawai‘i Maoli to conduct the Kau Inoa registration program. Hawai‘i Maoli houses and manages the database of names. OHA only has access to the database to ensure compliance with state law and to verify Hawaiian ancestry when requested by the applicant. OHA does not have unrestricted access to the Kau Inoa database.
OHA Trustee Salary:
The Trustee salary adjustment was proposed to the Legislature by a salary commission appointed by the governor. The law requires that every four years. The Legislature is authorized by law to reject the recommendation. In this case, they did not. The trustees had nothing to do with either action.
These are just a few of the items but we invite you to visit OHA’s website, www.OHA.org, where you will be able to read for yourself information on OHA programs, budget and other projects. We are committed to sharing with you the most up-to-date and accurate information available.
Me ka ha‘a ha‘a,
Walter M. Heen
Oz Stender
Boyd Mossman
Donald Cataluna
Robert Lindsey
John Waihe‘e IV