(BIVN) – Lawmakers examined the state and federal legalities supporting Native Hawaiian programs and institutions on Tuesday, during an informational briefing held at the State Capitol.
The Hawaiʻi State Senate Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, in conjunction with the Native Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, convened a panel of law experts, which included:
- Kaialiʻi Kahele, Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees
- Derek H. Kauanoe, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law
- Tyler Iokepa Gomes, Chief Administrator of the Kilohana Collective at the Hawaiian Council
“These programs and institutions were established in response to generations of historical injustices and the unique circumstances facing Native Hawaiians,” said Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (D, District 24). ‘They represent efforts to address those injustices and create opportunities for Native Hawaiian families through education, health care and access to Hawaiian Home Lands. Understanding their history and purpose is essential to recognizing their value and ensuring they continue serving future generations.”
“Understanding the history behind these programs is essential to understanding why they exist and the important role they continue to play today,” said Senator Karl Rhoads (D, District 13), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to understand the historical circumstances that led to their establishment and recognize the lasting significance of these institutions. This briefing provided an opportunity to deepen that understanding and help inform our work moving forward.”
