Native Hawaiian

About 28 community members, attorneys and elected officials testified during an hours-long meeting, with many expressing support for interim CEO Summer Sylva after trustees initially selected former Honolulu City Councilmember Todd Apo.

As voters prepare for the general election on Nov. 3, Hawaiʻi Public Radio asked candidates for the OHA’s Board of Trustees At-Large Trustee to share their priorities, perspectives and plans for addressing the issues facing Native Hawaiians.

Historical costume designer Iris Gil Viacrusis explains the history and details behind his reproduction of Princess Kaʻiulani’s ball gown.

Voters will decide whether to create an Office of ʻŌiwi Resources and Cultural Stewardship within the Honolulu mayor’s office, along with an advisory council to help guide its work.

OHA Trustee Kalei Akaka is facing a challenge from cultural adviser Hinaleimoana Wong, known as Kumu Hina, in the November general election. The two candidates share similar views on issues affecting Native Hawaiians, including housing and development at Kakaʻako Makai, but bring unique experiences to the race.

OHA will host a talk story session this month before the Board of Trustees announce their pick on October 22nd.

Due to strong El Nino storms, plans to begin sailing again have been pushed back. The canoes have been in New Zealand since November 2025.

With a key drinking water system not currently non-operational, residents and staff of Kalaupapa have been temporarily evacuated from the settlement.

Native Hawaiian professors Maile Arvin and David Aiona Chang co-author a letter opposing the closure of National Archives at San Francisco.

Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda shares recovery updates after Hurricane Lala devastated areas like the Nāʻālehu Cemetery; The Center for Oral History at UH Mānoa plans new projects after receiving over half a million dollars in new funding.