HONOLULU — The chief executive of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs says the group should take more time than originally planned in its nation-building process.
Kamanaopono Crabbe told the agency’s board in a meeting Thursday that the group should reassess its options in light of recent events.
In a heated meeting, Crabbe says the group should spend six to nine more months educating the public. He also says the group should consider alternatives to the Native Hawaiian Roll, a register where about 125,000 Hawaiians recently signed up to be part of the government building process.
Some board members say they are frustrated about spending more time and money. The board does not plan to vote on the recommendation Thursday.
Members of the public debated whether seeking federal recognition would undermine their rights.