EDITORIAL
OHA endorsements
Over the next several years, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will either truly come into its own as the premiere agency working for the betterment of Hawaiians or it will fade into obscurity. We hope it will succeed and will become a vital part of the 21st-century success story for Hawaiians.
For that task, OHA needs trustees who are mature, collaborative and reasonable. Our recommendations for the board on Nov. 5 are:
O'ahu: (1 seat)
Charles Rose, a retired police captain and investigator for the federal office of the public defender, has a solid record of leadership in the Hawaiian community. He is president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and past chairman of Aha Hawai'i 'Oiwi, an inclusive effort to elect a native Hawaiian governing entity and create a Hawaiian constitution.
Maui: (1 seat)
Boyd Mossman, a retired state judge and president of the Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club, brings practical know-how to the office. We support his mission to defend Hawaiian entitlements and resolve Hawaiian disunity.
At large: (3 seats)
Roy Benham, a former OHA trustee and former president of the O'ahu regional branch of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, has worked hard in the ongoing Hawaiian quest for federal recognition. He is collaborative but also speaks his mind when need be.
It's clear that Adrian Kamali'i, a Kamehameha Schools alumnus and founder of the Ilio'ulaokalani Youth Coalition, wants to be part of the new generation of Hawaiian leaders. We are optimistic he can rise to the challenge by doing his homework and learning from the kupuna on the board.
Incumbent Oswald Stender, a real estate broker and former Bishop Estate trustee, has proven himself as a valuable OHA trustee. He's a quick study, his behavior is professional and congenial, and he doesn't suffer fools.
