Office of Hawaiian Affairs Selected CEO Finalists
The board identified three candidates to lead the agency following a round of interviews.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board has selected Todd Apo, Kaulana Park, and Summer Sylva as the three finalists for its CEO position. These individuals were chosen from a pool of six candidates interviewed in September.
Why it matters
Selecting a new permanent leader is a critical step for the agency as it navigates ongoing leadership changes and legal challenges. The appointment will provide stability for the organization as it oversees its operations and assets across the state.
The board selected 3 finalists out of 6 candidates interviewed during the first round. The agency is governed by a total board of 9 trustees.
The players
Todd Apo
He is one of the three finalists selected for the CEO position at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Kaulana Park
He is one of the three finalists selected for the CEO position at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Summer Sylva
She is a finalist for the CEO position and has served as the agency's interim CEO for over a year.
Stacy Ferreira
The former CEO is currently involved in a lawsuit against the office alleging her removal in 2025.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
This state agency works to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians through advocacy, research, and community engagement.
The details
The search process, managed by Kumabe HR, narrowed the field significantly after initial September interviews. Summer Sylva, who has served as interim CEO for over a year, remains a contender while the agency also prepares for a 2027 trial related to a lawsuit from former CEO Stacy Ferreira.
Timeline
Six candidates participated in initial interviews during September 2026.
A moderated discussion with the finalists is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
The public comment period for the CEO finalists ends on October 16, 2026.
The board plans to finalize the new CEO selection on or around October 22, 2026.
A trial for the lawsuit filed by former CEO Stacy Ferreira is set for October 2027.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a new CEO marks a pivot point as the board seeks to move past the distraction of the lawsuit filed by former CEO Stacy Ferreira. This selection process reflects the agency's broader attempt to solidify governance in a complex legal and political environment.
The selection of a new CEO will determine the future direction and management style of an agency critical to state-level programs. Residents can participate in the transition process by providing public comments on the finalists through October 16, 2026.
The takeaway
The agency is working to finalize its executive leadership after a lengthy period of interim oversight. Residents should monitor the upcoming board vote as it marks the final stage of an extensive human resources search.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Honolulu Civil Beat.
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