AKINA, Adrian (Kealii)
Party: Nonpartisan
Platform: Grassroot Institute president and conservative policy advocate running for OHA At-Large Trustee; campaign site is kealiiakina.com.
- Keli'i Akina is the President and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a Honolulu-based free-market think tank; he has been a prominent voice for limited government, economic freedom, and fiscal accountability in Hawaiʻi public policy. [Grassroot Inst.]
- Running for OHA At-Large Trustee in 2026; has previously sought the at-large OHA seat and built a record as a persistent reform candidate challenging the OHA establishment. [Grassroot Inst.]
- As a Native Hawaiian, campaigns on restoring fiscal discipline to OHA, increasing transparency and accountability for how the trust's assets and resources are managed. [Grassroot Inst.]
- Critics of his positions argue that his free-market advocacy conflicts with OHA's mission to benefit Native Hawaiians; Akina disputes this, arguing reform of OHA governance serves Native Hawaiian interests. [Grassroot Inst.]
Editorial summary: Keli'i Akina is the most prominent conservative/reform candidate in the OHA at-large field. His record as Grassroot Institute president, documented on the institute's website and in Honolulu Civil Beat, reflects a persistent push for OHA fiscal accountability and governance reform.
Key issues: OHA fiscal accountability, Governance reform, Free-market economics, Native Hawaiian representation
Website: https://www.kealiiakina.com