The Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees recently considered a proposal to fund due diligence in connection with the potential purchase of TV media outlets KITV Island News and KIKU TV.
Trustees voted against the proposal; however, they emphasized the discussion itself reflects an important and evolving conversation about the future of Native Hawaiian ownership, influence and participation within major economic and communications sectors.
Following the discussion, Office of Hawaiian Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to thoughtfully exploring innovative and responsible opportunities that strengthen Native Hawaiian self-determination, institutional capacity and long-term trust sustainability.
“This was never just about a television station. It was about whether Native Hawaiians are willing to lead boldly in the spaces that shape public understanding and public conversation,” said Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustee Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele in a release about the decision. “Greater investment in multimedia storytelling has the power to transform how the world sees us, and, just as importantly, how we see ourselves and our future.”
Trustees had some misgivings about buying a television station, but did note the proposal generated significant interest because of its potential to create multiple, mutually reinforcing benefits for the Native Hawaiian community, including:
- Diversification and long-term growth of revenue streams.
- Expanded ability to elevate Native Hawaiian stories and perspectives in mainstream media.
- Greater visibility and normalization of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiian values in public discourse.
- Development of Native Hawaiian workforce and leadership pathways in communications and technology sectors.
- Opportunities to improve fairness, accuracy and dignity in the representation of Native Hawaiians throughout media platforms.
Board members acknowledged that opportunities of this scale and complexity require careful evaluation, significant due diligence, operational readiness and alignment with the agency’s fiduciary obligations and institutional priorities.
Trustees also emphasized that willingness to engage in conversations of this magnitude reflects an institution continuing to evolve alongside the aspirations and possibilities of the lāhui.
“This conversation will continue,” Kahele added. “The future of our lāhui requires institutions willing to think beyond maintaining the status quo and toward building enduring pathways for Native Hawaiian success and self-determination.”
Office of Hawaiian Affairs further reiterated that any future consideration of major investments or acquisitions must remain grounded in transparency, accountability, data-informed analysis and public trust.
Trustees expressed appreciation for the robust public engagement and thoughtful perspectives shared throughout the discussion and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to pursuing strategies that balance innovation, integrity and long-term benefit to Native Hawaiians.
