Luana Alapa, a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Molokai-Lanai trustee, has identified the lack of affordable housing as a critical issue facing Native Hawaiians. She stresses the importance of state support to address this problem, particularly for those on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands waiting list. Alapa is in dialogue with DHHL to explore housing development projects, such as kupuna housing, using more affordable construction methods like tiny homes or modular homes.
She believes in subjecting OHA to oversight by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission and prioritizes the pono management of Mauna Kea, emphasizing the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage. Alapa advocates for DHHL to play a role in reducing homelessness by accelerating home ownership for Hawaiians through ongoing affordable housing development.
Her views on addressing the disproportionate representation of Hawaiians in prisons involve targeted support within the prison system focused on cultural programs and job training. Alapa supports Hawaiian self-determination, highlights OHA’s rightful share of ceded-land revenues from the state, and believes in making OHA more transparent and accessible to the Hawaiian people.
Alapa’s advocacy for affordable housing, pono management, cultural programs, self-determination, transparency, and accountability in OHA showcases her commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Native Hawaiians and ensuring their well-being and cultural preservation in the state.
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