Machado New OHA Chair

Colette Machado was elected chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) last month, with the full support (7-0) of the OHA board.

Machado has represented Molokai and Lanai on the board since 1996, and has been involved in a number of Native Hawaiian organizations and supports the congressional passage of the Akaka bill.

She replaces longtime chairwoman Haunani Apoliona, who stepped down voluntarily.

Machado did not return calls for comment.