The Office of Hawaiian Affairs issued an unusual press release yesterday regarding its CEO, Kamana‘opono Crabbe.

“The Trustees are engaged in an annual performance evaluation of Ka Pouhana/CEO as required by OHA’s contract with Ka Pouhana/CEO,” stated Chairwoman Colette Machado. “At its regular meeting on July 3rd, the trustees voted to hire a third-party professional consultant to assist the board with the 2nd year performance evaluation of Ka Pouhana/CEO to ensure objectivity and fairness.”

Machado added, “There is no clandestine plot by the trustees to terminate Ka Pouhana/CEO.”

Office of Hawaiian Affairs CEO Kamana’opono Crabbe at May 29 meeting, where he proposed a delay in the nation-building process.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Crabbe had this to say: “My annual performance review is part of my employment contract and I have been looking forward to it as it provides me with an opportunity to grow as Ka Pouhana. I have not asked anyone to write trustees to support me, nor do I believe such a campaign is warranted.”

He added, “Instead, I urge everyone to support our efforts to improve conditions for Native Hawaiians.”

OHA did not explain the origin of the rumors, but Crabbe has certainly been a controversial CEO.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser just this week reported that Crabbe is under fire regarding a memo from Hawaiian nationalist Keanu Sai.

Read Civil Beat’s related coverage:

Is Hawaii a Nation or a State?

OHA Says It Is Again United, With Aloha and One Voice