10/09/2025
Office of Hawaiian despair 
This month K. Sean Kekina joined the Office of Hawaiian Affairs executive leadership team as the Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role Kekina will oversee OHA’s Advocacy, Communications, Community Engagement, Operations, Technology Services and Research & Evaluation divisions and report directly to OHA CEO Stacy Ferreira.
“I am honored to accept the calling to serve our Lāhui and the limahana of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said Kekina. “I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to bring our vision to fruition, deepen our relationships and collaborations, and optimize our service and impact to the Hawaiian community. Together, we have a unique opportunity to create a path of progress and build a foundation for the Hawaiian people to thrive now and for generations to come.”
Kekina comes to OHA from ʻAha Pūnana Leo (ʻAPL) where he has served as Chief Operating Officer. During his six-year tenure, he stewarded the operations of 13 schools and two infant toddler programs, overseeing more than 100 staff members and managing a $10 million annual budget. His leadership contributed to a near doubling of ʻAPL’s net assets, the expansion of services to hundreds of keiki and ʻohana across the pae ʻāina, and the successful opening of two new campuses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His work ensured that all growth remained rooted in cultural integrity and strategic alignment.
Read more at https://www.oha.org/news/oha-selects-k-sean-kekina-as-chief-operating-officer/
