#Summer Sylva
OHA Board to decide on emergency relief payments for Native Hawaiians amid government shutdown
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees will consider three options Thursday when it meets in Hilo to decide on a relief program to distribute more than $6.1 million in emergency funding to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries impacted by the federal government shutdown and delayed or reduced SNAP benefit assistance.
OHA concludes work at Hawaiian Council Native Hawaiian Convention
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs wrapped up its participation in the Hawaiian Council’s 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention, which was held this year in Tulalip, Washington. “This convention was more than a gathering-it was the beginning of a movement,” said OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele. “OHAʻs participation exceeded our expectations, and the feedback weʻve […]
OHA appoints Board of Trustees Chief of Staff Summer Sylva as Interim Administrator
Sylva’s appointment follows the announcement of the need for personal leave by the current CEO, Stacy Ferreira, and the Board’s approval to place the CEO on paid administrative leave.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs names Summer Sylva new chief of staff for OHA Board of Trustees
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has appointed Summer Sylva as the new chief of staff for the OHA Board of Trustees. Sylva, an attorney and advocate for Native Hawaiian rights, brings extensive experience in governance, cultural stewardship and advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights to this role.
Maui wildfires one year later: FEMA sheds light on embracing local traditions in disaster response
“Having an understanding of Hawaiian culture, its outlook and its behaviors, and how it manifests into our communities, was extremely important for people to know,” said Hōkūlani Holt, Maui cultural practitioner in a FEMA interview.
Maui wildfires one year later: recovery projects highlight community resilience
The Federal Emergency Management Agency reflected upon a challenging year marked by the Aug. 8 wildfires disaster. FEMA administrators say major recovery projects highlight the community’s resilience and the role of FEMA in supporting rebuilding efforts.
Maui wildfires one year later: Kilohana housing to provide 169 units to displaced survivors by October 2024
At the one year mark since the fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided an update on its Kilohana group housing site. The development, located on 34 acres mauka of a cane haul road near Wahikuli Road, will provide temporary housing for 169 households, and is anticipated to be complete by the end of October 2024.
Maui wildfires one year later: “Imagining something new, but taking the best of what was here before”
State and local government leaders joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency in reflecting upon the one year mark since the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfires. Leaders shared their focus on a shift toward long-term recovery while supporting the community’s resilience as it moves forward.
Lahaina’s Vision for the Future, Part 1: Memories of Lahaina
The wildfires and their destructive aftermath created a prominent backdrop in the discussions about Lahaina. Three Lahaina residents reflected on nostalgic moments as they shared their earliest memories of Lahaina. This is Part 1 in a 3 part series.
Biden Appoints Native Hawaiian as Senior Advisor
The US Department of Interior announced additional Biden-Harris appointees today, and among them is Native Hawaiian Attorney Summer Lee Haunani Sylva. Sylva will serve as the Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs to US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
