Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi General Election on Nov. 3 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Nonpartisan candidate for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Maui resident trustee.

Her opponent is Keʻeaumoku Kapu.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on Civil Beatʻs 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job of OHA trustee? And why do you want the job?

For 14 years I have served Maui beneficiaries with integrity, experience, and results. I seek re-election because important work remains unfinished, including securing Public Land Trust revenues, advancing housing opportunities, and protecting Native Hawaiian cultural resources for future generations.

What do you see as the most pressing problem facing Native Hawaiians, and what is the first thing you would do to address it in the first six months after being elected?

The greatest challenge is the lack of economic opportunity and affordable housing. In my first six months, I would continue advancing Public Land Trust revenue negotiations and advocate for investments that expand housing, education, and economic self-sufficiency.

Hereʻs a question from a constituent: What are your plans to economically uplift more Hawaiians? Protect the ʻāina?

I support investments that create housing, education, workforce development and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses. Protecting ʻāina requires responsible stewardship, cultural preservation, watershed protection and ensuring Native Hawaiian voices guide decisions affecting our resources.

OHA Trustees received a salary increase of 62% last June. Do you support the raise, and what will you do to ensure you are worth the money?

The focus should always be on accountability and results. I remain committed to being accessible, prepared and productive while advancing major priorities such as securing the full Public Land Trust obligation owed to Native Hawaiians and protecting beneficiary interests.

What should OHA advocate for as negotiations continue over Army training land leases?

OHA should advocate for meaningful consultation, environmental stewardship, cultural protection, access for traditional practices and accountability measures that ensure Native Hawaiian interests remain central in any future agreements.

OHA dropped two lawsuits last year over Mauna Kea and decided that those resources would be directed to stewardship of that mountain. What types of activities or programs should those funds support?

Funds should support cultural stewardship, environmental monitoring, educational opportunities, mālama ʻāina programs, Native Hawaiian research and community-based efforts that protect Mauna Kea for future generations.

A new 12-member authority that includes members of the protest movement who opposed the TMT, as well as astronomers is set to take over stewardship of Mauna Kea by 2029. Could the new management structure help resolve long-standing disputes? And how do you see OHA working with entities that have interests in Mauna Kea, including major landowners at lower elevations?

The new structure offers an opportunity for collaboration and shared responsibility. OHA should work constructively with cultural practitioners, community leaders, scientists, educational institutions, and landowners to build trust and lasting solutions.

For decades, OHA believes the state has shortchanged its beneficiaries on payments from the use of public lands. The Legislature has cleared a way for a working group to determine an annual amount of revenue due to OHA. What do you want to see come out of that process? And what should OHA allocate any additional revenues toward?

The process should produce a fair, permanent and legally defensible amount that fulfills the state’s obligation to Native Hawaiians. Additional revenues should strengthen housing, education, cultural preservation and long-term investments that benefit future generations.

OHA has attempted to develop residential towers in Kakaʻako Makai. However, those efforts have been repeatedly rejected by the Legislature, stalling any development for the last 20 years. How should OHA move forward on lands it owns in this area?

OHA should continue pursuing opportunities that honor the cultural significance of Kakaʻako Makai while creating lasting benefits for beneficiaries. Any development should reflect community values, cultural stewardship and long-term sustainability.

Last year, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled that OHA trustees are subject to the state ethics code that governs the conduct of state employees and is intended to prevent things like nepotism, fraud and conflicts of interest. How would you, as a trustee, uphold the ethics code and ensure transparency at OHA?

I will continue to follow the law, avoid conflicts of interest, support transparency and place beneficiary interests above personal or political considerations. Public trust must remain the foundation of OHA’s work.

There has often been tension between the Board of Trustees and OHA administrators. In just the latest example, the current chief executive officer has sued the board. What can be done to ease those tensions between administrators and trustees?

Clear roles, mutual respect, open communication and adherence to sound governance practices are essential. Trustees set policy, administration executes policy, and both must work collaboratively in service to beneficiaries.

Are there ways for the office to work more collaboratively with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to address the housing shortage for Native Hawaiians?

Yes. OHA and DHHL share a common mission and should strengthen partnerships that leverage resources, support infrastructure, expand housing opportunities and accelerate solutions for Native Hawaiian families waiting for homestead awards.