Hawaii

Why these candidates want to be CEO on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Hawaii Public Radio·Oct 19, 2026 · 8:10 PM CT
Read the original at Hawaii Public Radio
Readthrough summary

The OHA Board of Trustees is expected to vote Thursday on three finalists to lead the agency: interim CEO Summer Sylva, who took over after Stacy Ferreira was put on paid administrative leave; Todd Apo, a former Honolulu City Council chair; and Kaulana Park, a former director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Native Hawaiian beneficiaries say they want transparency after past criticism of OHA's finances, more voice for neighbor islands, and a CEO who can work with the nine trustees. The board will also set the CEO's salary on Thursday.

The search comes as five trustee seats are on the ballot and Ferreira is suing the agency and its trustees. She alleges her leave was retaliation and that the board violated sunshine and whistleblower laws.

Key points

  • Finalists: Summer Sylva, Todd Apo, Kaulana Park
  • Trustees' vote expected Thursday

Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at Hawaii Public Radio.

Read the original at Hawaii Public Radio

More Hawaii

Governor of Hawaii (news releases)·

NEWS RELEASE: Hawai’i September Unemployment Rate at 2.8 Percent

Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.8% in September, from 2.7% in August, still far below the national rate of 4.2%. The state counted 675,450 people employed and 19,450 unemployed, DBEDT said.

Hawaii DOT News·

Līhu‘e Airport implements temporary passenger pickup changes during construction

At Līhuʻe Airport on Kauaʻi, the passenger pickup area in front of Baggage Claim A reopened Oct. 19 to shuttles, taxis and rideshares. Baggage Claim B's pickup area is now closed for construction until about April 2027, and all pickups are moving to A.

Hawaii DLNR News·

10/19/26 – HAWAIʻI CLIMATE REBATE FINDER HELPS RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES SAVE ON UPGRADES

A new Hawaiʻi Climate Rebate Finder from the state's climate commission puts rebates, tax incentives and other aid for home and business upgrades in one place: appliances, water systems, lighting, HVAC and clean vehicles.

University of Hawaii News·

Donnette Leilani Kapono named interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi CC

The University of Hawaiʻi named Donnette Leilani "Lei" Kapono interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College starting Nov. 2, while a national search for a permanent chancellor continues. The appointment still has to be published on the Oct. 22 Board of Regents agenda.