Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 8, 1 August 2001 — SeIection of new administrator lacked full Board participation [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SeIection of new administrator lacked full Board participation

The good news is, OHA ean still operate in supplying benefits to the community in >pite of Barrett, and on whieh case Federal Judge David Ezra will have ruled on as to the standing of Barrett to bring his suit, although Judge Ezra will not be ruling on the merits of the case. Other events in the media require another response as in the following: There are critical articles and reports of me that don't explain what happened at the recent July 5 Board of Trustees meeting to select OHA's new administrator. and as I was able

to participate in it. The meeting was effectively called to order, and immediately a motion was made to select a new administrator whieh was quickly seconded and followed by another rapid eall for a roll eall vote. I asked for information and was advised that since the eall for the vote was already made, a vote would proceed. The request for information or discussion was not recognized and the vote proceeded to select an administrator. It was a frustrating experience, not being allowed to

ask questions due to the parliamentary maneuver. In my frustration with the process, I sought to ask those present who voted for the new administrator and why I was treated in such a manner. I proceeded to inquire with trustees who were present as to why I was being treated as such and what was the haste regarding the vote. I had been working with some of them or families in the past helping to achieve their goals and desires. As I spoke to eaeh, there was a

laek of response as the media rolled their cameras. As my frustration increased and I lost my eool, as I tried to convince my fe!low trustees that I did not have an opportunity to dialogue on the selection, so I blurted our the first thing that eame to mind using language I seldom use. TO THE PUBLIC, I APOLOGIZE. Cameras roll because controversy makes news in a split second while discussion becomes insignificant. I will continue to pursue the realization of obtaining the many long lost native benefits. ■

Charles Ota Trustee, Maui