Honolulu Civil Beat - January 4, 2017
Under new leadership, trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have voted to buy out the contract of CEO Kamana`opono Crabbe.
The vote occurred Tuesday during a closed-door session convened to review Crabbe’s employment, according to Trustee Keli`i Akina.
Two other trustees confirmed the action, but requested anonymity because it is a personnel matter.
The move to get rid of Crabbe comes barely half a year after he signed a new three-year contract.
Then-Board Chair Robert Lindsey Jr. said at the time, “The most important decision we make for this organization is selecting its CEO. Our hope is that this decision inspires the confidence and support of our employees and beneficiaries.”
Lindsey lost his chairmanship last month when a coalition of five trustees voted to replace him with Rowena Akana.
The ascension of Akana, a former chair, was aided by the November election of Akina, who defeated longtime incumbent Haunani Apoliona. Both have been involved in legal battles with OHA.
Crabbe was appointed OHA’s chief executive officer in January 2012.
His annual salary is $150,000. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday....
His annual salary is $150,000. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday....
