Office of Hawaiian Affairs to Select New CEO
The board selected Todd Apo to lead the organization, affecting stakeholders and vendors tied to its $900 million trust.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted 5-to-4 on Wednesday to appoint Todd Apo as the organization's next chief executive. Apo will take over management of the trust's operations, which include oversight of 30 acres in Kakaʻako Makai.
Why it matters
The appointment replaces former CEO Stacy Ferreira, who was removed in September 2025 amid allegations of retaliation against the board. For operators and stakeholders, this shift in leadership marks a transition in the executive oversight of the organization's asset management and policy execution.
The new chief executive receives an annual base salary of $260,000, with performance incentives potentially raising total pay to $316,031. This five-year contract involves stewardship of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which holds assets totaling $900 million.
The players
Todd Apo
The incoming chief executive who previously served six years as a Honolulu City Council member.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
A state agency that manages a $900 million trust and 30 acres of land in Kakaʻako Makai.
Stacy Ferreira
The former chief executive who was removed from her position in September 2025.
Summer Sylva
The interim chief executive who served after the removal of the former CEO.
The details
The board selected Todd Apo through a majority 5-to-4 vote, opting against retaining interim CEO Summer Sylva. The chief executive position is central to the organization, as the holder is responsible for managing staff and executing board policy decisions regarding the trust's extensive land holdings. This change follows the September 2025 removal of former CEO Stacy Ferreira, whose employment contract is set to expire on October 31, 2026.
Timeline
September 2025: Former CEO Stacy Ferreira was removed from her post.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: The Board of Trustees voted to select Todd Apo.
Thursday, October 22, 2026: The board is expected to finalize the appointment.
October 31, 2026: The contract of former CEO Stacy Ferreira expires.
Market Landscape
This leadership selection follows the contentious September 2025 removal of Stacy Ferreira, which included public allegations of retaliatory management. The move resets executive stability for the organization as it manages its $900 million portfolio.
Operators and vendors should monitor how this leadership transition affects the organization's contracting and policy priorities for its Kakaʻako Makai assets. Contractual transitions, such as the expiration of the former CEO's term on October 31, 2026, often signal immediate shifts in procurement and management strategy.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new chief executive signifies a major change in organizational management for the trust. Stakeholders should track the final contract ratification on October 22, 2026, to understand the new executive's policy priorities.
What happens next
The Board of Trustees is expected to make a formal, final decision on Todd Apo's appointment on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on leadership shifts across the state, see our coverage of People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Honolulu Civil Beat.
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