Five incumbents are seeking another term on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees in the Aug. 8 primary election, with the crowded at-large race featuring 15 candidates competing for three seats.

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The top six primary finishers advance to the Nov. 3 general election, where voters will choose three trustees.

Meanwhile, the Maui and Oahu trustee races will bypass the primary because only two candidates filed for each seat. Those contests will be decided in the general election.

The OHA board oversees programs and trust assets intended to benefit Native Hawaiians, with trustees elected statewide to represent both island districts and at-large beneficiaries.

In responses to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s 2026 candidate questionnaire and other published candidate surveys, many candidates identified housing, stewardship of trust assets, transparency and protecting Native Hawaiian rights as top priorities, while offering differing visions for OHA’s future.

Among the incumbents, John Waihe‘e IV, first elected as an at-large trustee in 2000, said OHA should be prepared to offset anticipated reductions in federal support for Native Hawaiian programs; Keoni Souza, who chairs OHA’s Investment and Land Management Committee, highlighted his experience in business, real estate and negotiations as key to balancing cultural values with long-term financial sustainability; and Brickwood Galuteria proposed that OHA explore purchasing KITV or another major Hawaii media outlet to expand Native Hawaiian representation and strengthen cultural and informational sovereignty.

Former Honolulu City Council member Ikaika Anderson called for a more transparent, accountable and fiscally responsible OHA that maximizes the value of its land and financial assets to expand opportunities for beneficiaries; former OHA trustee and retired professional surfer Brendon Kalei‘aina Lee questioned the continued need for military live-fire training ranges in Hawaii while urging OHA to advocate for Native Hawaiian interests in military land discussions; and kumu hula and consultant Karl Veto Baker said OHA should seek higher returns from military leases on public trust lands while opposing the use of live explosives on Hawaiian lands.

Other candidates emphasized a range of priorities.

• Adrian (Keali‘i) Akina, an information technology resource teacher, said his top priority is protecting Native Hawaiian rights while advancing housing, healthcare and food sovereignty. Despite the similarity in their names, Adrian (Keali‘i) Akina is not the incumbent OHA At-Large trustee William Keli‘i Akina, who currently holds an at-large seat and is not up for election this year.

• Shelby Pikachu Billionaire, an entrepreneur and Air Force veteran, said he would focus on economic opportunity, transparency and ensuring OHA investments deliver measurable benefits.

• Michelle (Mikala) Costello, a development and asset management consultant, emphasized responsible stewardship of OHA resources and measurable outcomes for beneficiaries.

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• Kanekoa “Koa” Crabbe, a subsistence fisherman and boat builder, said OHA should advocate for environmental restoration, cultural preservation and Native Hawaiian interests in future negotiations involving military leases.

• R. Kunani Nihipali Sr., a longtime Molokai community organizer and retired police officer, called for greater economic sovereignty and stronger partnerships with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to address housing and infrastructure.

Several other candidates highlighted improving government efficiency, expanding opportunities for beneficiaries and strengthening community engagement, including Clifford K. Kauaula, Philip (Ka­wi­ka) Martin, Kalena Parish, Jackie Kaho‘okele Burke and Keoni Souza.

The Maui trustee race, which will be decided in November, features two incumbents.

Incumbent Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey, first elected in 2012, said OHA should ensure Native Hawaiian rights, cultural resources and environmental stewardship remain central in discussions involving former crown and government lands.

Challenger Ke‘eaumoku Kapu, president of Na ‘Aikane o Maui and a leader in Lahaina cultural recovery efforts following the 2023 wildfire, said OHA should continue advocating for the proper management of Hawaii’s Public Land Trust for the betterment of Native Hawaiians.

And on Oahu, incumbent Kalei Akaka faces cultural practitioner and educator Hinaleimoana Wong, widely known as Kumu Hina.

Akaka, first elected in 2018, said her role is to connect beneficiaries with the government while ensuring decisions reflect Native Hawaiian values and the guidance of kupuna.

Wong said her work across education, culture and advocacy has prepared her to unite communities and institutions.

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