Copyright hoodline
Stacy Ferreira, Chief Executive of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), has filed a lawsuit against the agency's trustees, asserting they acted in retaliation against her for reporting misconduct by Board Chairman Kai Kahele. Ferreira claims that her placement on leave in late September was a consequence of her actions calling out Kahele's creation of a toxic work environment and his alleged budgetary missteps. According to Civil Beat, the lawsuit lays bare a series of events beginning with a complaint Ferreira filed against Kahele, leading to an investigation by the board and culminating in her sidelining. Ferreira's claims include being directed to mislead staff via email about the nature of her leave and suffering reputational damage from an interim CEO announcement. A spokesman for OHA commented that the agency has yet to receive the lawsuit. Further details in the lawsuit, as reported by Hawaii News Now, indicate that Ferreira accuses Kahele of not just undermining her authority but also unlawfully pushing for the certification of OHA’s biennium budget. A special executive session called by Kahele, which led to Ferreira's removal, was described as a tactic to dodge public scrutiny, infringing upon sunshine laws. The lawsuit seeks her reinstatement, termination of the investigation into her conduct, and a jury trial, among other demands for compensation. In addition to restitution, Ferreira is calling for the nullification of the salary increase granted to her temporary replacement, Summer Sylva. Despite the legal action and mounting allegations, OHA has yet to issue an official response to the developments. As the lawsuit unfolds, it shines light on historic challenges within the OHA, an entity established to advance the wellbeing of Native Hawaiians. This legal battle further underscores the internal strife that can arise when those entrusted with governance face allegations from within their ranks. Ferreira and her attorneys, including Margery Bronster, a former Hawaiʻi attorney general, intend to see the dispute resolved in court.
