HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — A judge dismissed legal claims against Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees and interim CEO Summer Sylva in their individual and official capacities Thursday, but allowed a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed by former OHA CEO Stacy Ferreira against the agency to move forward.
OHA trustees packed a Honolulu courtroom for the hearing on the lawsuit, which Ferreira filed against the agency and its nine trustees.
OHA board chair Kaiali’i Kahele said the dismissal of claims against trustees in their personal capacities came as a relief and allowed OHA to move forward together.
“This was not something that he liked or appreciated and he dismissed it pretty quickly, which was a relief to all of us,” Kahele told Hawaii News Now.
Four trustees had sided with Ferreira and said in a court filing she is owed damages. The judge granted OHA’s motion to strike that June 26 filing.
Trustee Keli’i Akina said in a statement, “The judge also made clear that the ruling would not limit our ability to speak out or make our views known.”
Ferreira’s attorney, Margery Bronster, said in a statement the ruling allows the case to proceed.
“We are pleased that the Court ruled that Ms. Ferreira can go to trial on her whistleblower claims against OHA next fall,” Bronster said.
“Although we respect the Court, we disagree with its decision and are considering our options. We look forward to seeking...
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