OHA to Study Feasibility of Native Hawaiian Cultural Center

The study is part of OHA's broader vision to revitalize its 29 acres in Kakaʻako Makai.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has selected AEA Consulting to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Kaka'ako Makai, Honolulu. The study will assess the market, engage the community, plan the program and space, model the finances, and develop an implementation timeline over the next six months.

Why it matters

The proposed cultural center aims to reconnect the community to the area's historical significance as a coastal hub for fishing and stewardship of the land, and to provide a dedicated space for education, cultural practice, and community events that benefit Native Hawaiians and the broader public.

The details

The study is part of OHA's broader vision to revitalize its 29 acres in Kaka'ako Makai, which consists of nine parcels awarded to the agency as part of a partial settlement from the state for unpaid Public Land Trust revenues. Plans for the proposed center include space for education, intergenerational learning, cultural practice and community events, with the goal of generating social, cultural, educational and economic benefits.

  • OHA approved funding for the cultural center in its biennium budget adopted on June 29.
  • OHA began seeking consultants in September to complete the feasibility study, business plan and public-facing presentation.
  • The study is expected to be completed over the next six months.

The players

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)

The state agency responsible for managing a public land trust for the betterment of conditions of Native Hawaiians.

AEA Consulting

The consulting firm selected by OHA to conduct the feasibility study for the proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center.

Kaiali'i Kahele

The Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Daniel Payne

The Principal at AEA Consulting who will lead the feasibility study project.

Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs

A community group that has voiced support for the proposed cultural center project.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to gathering input and mana'o at the outset of this process to ensure the Native Hawaiian Cultural Center is guided by community priorities and built upon a foundation of cultural integrity, financial sustainability, and lasting benefits that create enduring value for our beneficiaries.”

— Kaiali'i Kahele, Chair, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (thegardenisland.com)

“We are honored to support OHA in shaping a project of such cultural, historical, and community significance. Through thoughtful engagement and rigorous analysis, this study will help lay the groundwork for a center that is both culturally grounded and operationally sustainable.”

— Daniel Payne, Principal, AEA Consulting (thegardenisland.com)

“The study will equip OHA with the data, community insight, and planning tools needed to make informed decisions about the scope, programming, sustainability, and long-term operations of a Native Hawaiian Cultural Center. Most importantly, it will ensure that this center reflects the voices and values of our people.”

— Kaiali'i Kahele, Chair, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (thegardenisland.com)

What’s next

The feasibility study is expected to be completed over the next six months, after which OHA will use the findings to make informed decisions about the scope, programming, sustainability, and long-term operations of the proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center.

The takeaway

The proposed Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Honolulu's Kaka'ako Makai represents an opportunity to revitalize the area's historical significance, provide a dedicated space for cultural education and practice, and generate social, cultural, educational and economic benefits for Native Hawaiians and the broader community.