More on the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u and the Hawai‘i State Auditor

Aloha e nā ‘ōiwi ‘ōlino. Misinformation of any kind erodes trust and common bonds among people. Conversely, sharing factual information openly strengthens and unifies relationships. My Ka Wai Ola columns of February and March 2010 elevated the recognition of the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u and their work to strengthen and unify relationships. My February and March columns celebrated the 21st century leadership of the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u, established in 2006, when four royal, benevolent Hawaiian Societies joined together in a historic first convention in the spirit of unity. The ‘Aha Hīpu‘u Convention Booklet 2006 produced and published by the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u documented the Convention agenda and the background of the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u founding, which also included the founding dates of each of the Four Societies provided by each of the Four Societies themselves.

At the March 4 OHA Board meeting, the Order of Kamehameha I, a nonmember of the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u, served a notice of objection to my March KWO column, particular to the section that cites the founding date of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (one of the four members of the ‘Aha Hīpu‘u). The citation of the founding date of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I is a direct quote from the 2006 ‘Aha Hīpu‘u Convention Booklet. The leadership of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I has been informed of the notice of objection by the Order of Kamehameha I. I believe it is important and more appropriate for concerns to be resolved directly between the primary sources; not by a third party.

It is the kuleana of these two organizations bearing the name of Kamehameha to address the matter directly with each other. Any correction or retraction should be handled at that level. Kamehameha I would expect the standard of leadership to be no less. I leave this matter in the hands of both organizations to resolve with aloha.

Another correction needed is the March KWO Trustee column highlighting only negative points in the State Auditor Report, online at state.hi.us/auditor/Reports/2009/09-10.pdf. Scroll to the 14-page letter/ 7 Exhibits OHA response to the Auditor for the other side of the story. Also, check out the State Auditor Report on Information Technology, online at state.hi.us/auditor/Reports/2009/09-08.pdf, which contains positive comments about OHA.

The Auditor notes: “In 2005, our previous audit determined that OHA was grappling with the effects of poorly planned and ill-defined reorganization efforts. In this audit (2009) we found a much more stable and functional organization that is focused on its strategic mission. Our interviews with trustees found that the working atmosphere at the agency had improved dramatically, particularly at the board level. Along with this improved atmosphere, the board has improved its governance structures and processes.”

The Auditor further states: “In the past, board members often waged political battles to the detriment of the organization and its beneficiaries. Prior audits recognized the high levels of micromanagement practiced by the OHA board and lack of focus on the priorities of good governance of the trust. We found during this audit that within the last decade, the contentiousness that clouded the atmosphere within OHA's boardroom has progressively cleared. The tone of governance at the top reflects a higher level of awareness of the role of the trustees in setting policy and performing oversight of OHA to better serve the needs of the Hawaiian people. Board members' professional and legal background have improved OHA's governance priorities. Our interviews with OHA trustees found that the background and attitude of OHA board members play a significant role in the improvements of overall governance at OHA. Most of the OHA trustees we interviewed professed a unified governance philosophy, which is for the board to set strategic policy but to leave the management of staff to the OHA administrator.” Hau‘oli Ka La Ho‘ola Hou. 16/48