FIRST TERM.
REAL RESULTS.
SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM KEONI'S FIRST TERM
Honored to serve our lāhui. Here are just some of the highlights from my first term as your OHA Trustee At-Large. Together, we're building a stronger future for Native Hawaiians.
A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP
As the youngest current member of the OHA Board of Trustees, Keoni brings a fresh perspective, energy, and a results-driven approach to OHA.
During his first term, he has taken on significant leadership responsibilities while serving on and leading numerous committees, evaluation committees, and Permitted Interaction Groups.
Keoni has worked to move ideas forward, bring people together, and turn priorities into action.
VICE CHAIR
OHA Board of Trustees
2025–2026
CHAIR
Investment & Land Management Committee
2025–2026
COMMISSIONER
Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission
2024–2026
- Chair, Ad Hoc Committee on Cultural Protocol and Practices
- Chair, 2025 OHA Salary Ad Hoc Committee
- Steering Committee Chair, Native Hawaiian Cultural Center Feasibility Study
- Member, Military Leased Lands Technical Advisory Group – Permitted Interaction Group
- Numerous Evaluation Committees
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP & COMMITTEE SERVICE
FROM PRIORITY.
TO ACTION.
TO HOMEOWNERSHIP.
MORE HAWAIIAN HOMEOWNERS
TURNING A CAMPAIGN PRIORITY INTO ACTION.
Housing and homeownership were priorities Keoni campaigned on in 2022. During his first term, Keoni championed the Access to Home Ownership (AHO) initiative, expanding pathways to homeownership and down-payment assistance for Native Hawaiian families. The goal is simple: help more of our people put down roots, build generational stability, and continue calling Hawaiʻi home.
STRENGTHENING OUR FINANCIAL FOUNDATION
$925 MILLION NATIVE HAWAIIAN TRUST FUND HIGHEST LEVEL IN OHA HISTORY
Under Keoni's leadership as Chair of the Investment & Land Management Committee, OHA continued strengthening stewardship and oversight of beneficiary assets as the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund reached approximately $925 Million — its highest level in OHA history.
Since December 2024, when Chair Souza took on the ILM Committee, the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund has increased by approximately $102 Million.
✓ Advanced policies for OHA's Legacy Lands and investment lands
✓ Strengthened investment oversight
✓ Improved reporting, transparency and oversight
✓ Advanced long-term strategies designed to preserve trust resources for future generations
Also advanced OHA's Real Estate Strategic Plan and policies strengthening the long-term management of OHA lands and assets.
PROTECTING OUR ʻĀINA & CULTURE
Stewardship of Native Hawaiian lands is about more than ownership. It is about protecting cultural resources, exercising responsibility, and preserving these places for generations yet to come.
STEWARDSHIP OF OHA LEGACY LANDS
- Wao Kele o Puna
- Kūkaniloko
- Pahua Heiau
- Waimea Valley
- Palauea Cultural Preserve
- Waialua Courthouse
- Papahānaumokuākea
- Kāneiʻolouma Heiau
Keoni also helped advance OHA's Real Estate Strategic Plan and led initiatives strengthening Native Hawaiian cultural protocol and practices.
ACCOUNTABILITY THAT MATTERS
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PAY PARITY
As Chair of OHA's 2025 Salary Ad Hoc Committee, Keoni helped achieve pay parity for OHA staff.
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TRANSPARENCY & OVERSIGHT
Strengthened reporting and oversight of OHA's land and investment portfolios to support greater transparency and informed decision-making.
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LONG-TERM PLANNING
Advanced policies and planning focused on responsible stewardship of beneficiary resources for current and future generations.
ADVOCACY
WHEN OUR COMMUNITIES NEED IT MOST
When disaster strikes, our communities need action. During his first term, Keoni advocated for increased resources and assistance for Native Hawaiian families and communities impacted by major disasters, including the Maui wildfires and Kona Low.
MAUI WILDFIRES
Advocated for substantially increased OHA relief funding for families and communities impacted by the Maui wildfires.
KONA LOW
Supported increased relief resources for Native Hawaiian families and communities impacted by Kona Low.
THE WORK CONTINUES.
There is still much more to do. Keoni remains committed to expanding housing and homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiian families, protecting our ʻāina and culture, strengthening OHA's financial foundation, creating greater economic opportunity, and ensuring accountability in the stewardship of beneficiary resources.