OHA has the statutory purpose to serve as the principal public agency responsible for the performance, development, and coordination of programs and activities relating to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, to assess the policies and practices of other agencies impacting on Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, to conduct advocacy efforts for Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, to apply for, receive, and disburse grants and donations for Native Hawaiian and Hawaiian programs and services, and to serve as a receptacle for reparations.
HRS § 10–3. By statute, OHA is given the following powers: (1) to adopt, amend and repeal bylaws governing the conduct of its business and the performance of its powers and duties; (2) to acquire, to hold, maintain, use, operate, sell, lease any real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible property in such manner and to the extent necessary to carry out its purpose; (3) to determine the character of and the necessity for its obligations and expenditures; (4) to enter into and perform such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements; (5) to execute all instruments necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its powers; (6) to issue revenue bonds in such principal amounts as may be authorized by law to finance the cost of an office project as authorized by law; (7) to lend or otherwise apply the proceeds of the bonds issued for an office project; (8) to exercise any and all rights provided by law for entry and re-entry upon or to take possession of an office project; and (9) to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers conferred by law.
HRS § 10–4.