KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees were on Maui this week to listen to concerns and offer support.

OHA is required to hold meetings on the neighbor islands at least once a year. They held a community meeting on Wednesday night, and board meeting Thursday morning at the University of Hawaii Maui Campus.

It was a chance for Native Hawaiians to be heard.

Tensions flared during the Thursday meeting.

“We are really far behind in advocacy for our people,” said Wailuku resident Clare Apana.

Apana and Waiehu resident Walter Kahoiwai Kanamu Jr. say the office needs to have better communication, education, and collaboration with community members who protect iwi kupuna, (ancestral remains).

“Everybody thinks about Punchbowl. Protect Punchbowl. Protect Maui Memorial.

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