The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will have at least one new trustee and possibly more after this fall’s elections, as multiple candidates vie to take the reins of the agency, which recently was criticized by the state auditor for inappropriate spending.
The Oahu-resident seat is up for grabs with seven people aiming to replace Peter Apo, who decided not to run for another term. Meanwhile the crowded OHA at-large race has 12 candidates challenging incumbent trustees Lei Ahu Isa, Rowena Akana and John Waihee IV.
The elections have attracted high-profile contenders with extensive government experience, including Esther Kia‘aina, who is seeking the Oahu-resident seat, and William J. Aila Jr. in the at-large race.
Kia‘aina served as an assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and a deputy at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Aila formerly chaired DLNR and was a deputy at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Other candidates for the Oahu-resident seat are Kalei Akaka, Jackie Kahookele Burke, Leona Mapuana Kalima, Samuel Wilder King II, Paul Mossman and Francine Kanani Murray.
The top two finishers in the primary will advance to a runoff in the Nov. 6 general election, unless one gets a majority of the votes in the primary.
The OHA at-large race has attracted two former legislators: former state Rep. Faye Hanohano of Puna and former state Sen. Pohai Ryan of Kailua. Also running are Alvin Akina, C. Kaui Jochanan Amsterdam, Brendon Kalei‘aina Lee, Keali‘i Makekau, Marc Kalai Pa‘aluhi, Landen D.K.K. Paikai, Makana Paris, Kali Puuohau and Lei Sharsh-Davis.
If no one gets a majority of votes in the primary, the six top vote-getters will advance to the general election to choose the three winners.
The Maui-resident seat will be decided in the general election because there are only two candidates, Carmen Hulu Lindsey and Ke‘eaumoku Kapu.
OHA elections are open to all registered voters, not just those of Hawaiian descent.
For profiles of the OHA candidates and their stances on issues, visit elections.staradvertiser.com/2018-hawaii-primary-election-candidates.
