Posted on: Wednesday, November 3, 2004

OHA trustees approve $9.5 million in spending

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees have approved spending nearly $9.5 million more in trust money, allowing them to award additional grants and to cover cost overruns.

Monday's action stemmed from a Sept. 15 decision to change OHA's policy, allowing unused money from previous years to be added to the spending allotment from the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund.

The change also adds a new source of spending money: revenue from ceded lands, which are the former crown and government lands under the Hawaiian kingdom that ultimately came under control of the state.

Three board members were absent from Monday's meeting — Rowena Akana, Donald Cataluna and John Waihe'e IV — but the remaining six voted for the budget proposal.

The windfall includes $4.2 million for unspecified program grants and about $3.3 million on OHA operations that are budgeted but likely to cost more than expected.

More than $326,000 is set aside for new personnel.

In addition, the new initiatives include $750,000 to assist with building the Punana Leo O Maui Hawaiian-language preschool and family resource center.

Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.