The Office of Hawaiian Affairs returned to the state more than $2 million owed to it from various departments that use certain ceded lands in Hawaii.

The returned funds exceeded an annual cap of $15.1 million.
The state departments are required to pay $15.1 million each year to OHA, but last year they transferred $17.1 million, according to a report from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Each year, OHA returns some of that revenue from ceded lands, former lands of the Hawaiian Kingdom, back to a state trust fund.
The departments are actually required to transfer 20% of all revenue from ceded lands to OHA.
OHA has pushed lawmakers to either raise the cap, or eliminate it and allow the office to collect the full 20% of ceded land revenues owed to it under the law.
Last year, a proposal to raise the cap to $35 million and give OHA back pay failed to clear the Legislature.
Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed.
Help power essential news and information
As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.
Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.
About the Author
-
Blaze Lovell is a reporter for Civil Beat. He was born and raised on Oʻahu. You can reach him at blovell@civilbeat.org or at 808-650-1585.