CNHA LOSES AT OHA
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Resource Management Committee today voted against appointing a middleman to disburse a $3 million grant to Hawaiian focused charter schools over two years.
In a 6-0 vote (Trustees Dan Ahuna, Lei Ahu Isa and Robert Lindsey were excused), the Resource Management Committee opted to instead give the grant funds directly to the charter schools, instead of to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for administration purposes. Of concern to several Trustees was the fact that OHA Administration had not obtained approval from the Board before awarding the grant to CNHA.
In response to a motion made at today’s meeting to award grant administration to CNHA, the Trustees entertained an amendment to instead have OHA administer the grant in-house so that the funds could go directly to the charter schools.
According to Trustee Akina, “This issue was not about who receives the grant but the fact that the OHA Administration exceeded its authority in communicating a grant award. I commend my fellow Trustees for restoring the proper balance of authority within OHA.”
The RM Committee action will now proceed to the Board of Trustees for ratification on October 19.
