Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation

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The legacy of our kūpuna is civic engagement. On this day in 1978, the amendments proposed by the convening of Hawai?i’s Constitutional convention were voted on eventually leading to the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, legal protections for Native Hawaiian traditional and Customary Practice rights, and Historic Environmental Protections. For more information about the 1978 Hawai?i Constitutional Convention, check out the resources via this link: https://linktr.ee/NHLC

This month's article by NHLC for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Ka Wai Ola was written by Staff Attorney Henderson Huihui. The article discusses the DHHL Rent-With-Option-to-Purchase (RWOPT) rental agreement. You can view the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gB-pnR-4

In April 2024, a large lot landowner in Pepe‘ekeo on Hawai‘i-island unilaterially built a barbed wire fence through six families’ backyards. NHLC represented three of the six families to demand that the fence be removed. After successful negotiations, the large lot landowners removed the barbed wire fence and restored the condition of the land. Native Hawaiian families have suffered a long history of threats to their family land rights and dispossession of land by large land owners. NHLC provides legal services to Native Hawaiian families needing assistance with defense of their ?ohana land rights in Hawai?i. NHLC can be contacted during business hours at 808-521-2302 to request legal aid. To read the full article, visit the link: https://lnkd.in/g67snSwq

Aunty Marena Kahanamoku and her husband, Uncle Sam Kahanamoku, lived on Uncle Sam ’s homestead in Pu?ukapu, Waimea for 18 years. When Uncle Sam died, Aunty Marena needed legal help because DHHL would not process her successorship. She retained NHLC for pro bono assistance. In July 2024, six years after his death, Uncle Sam’s wishes for his homestead were honored and Aunty Marena took over the lease.??Her successorship was granted. Aunty Marena presented NHLC with a special wa?a carved by her late husband Uncle Sam Kahanamoku. NHLC mahalos Aunty Marena and her??ohana for this meaningful gift. NHLC is a legal resource for homesteaders and beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. NHLC can be contacted at 808-521-2302 on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm to request help.

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is happy to announce the introduction of Jamee Mahealani Miller, Ed.D., Kealohi Reppun, and Keolamaikalani Dean to its Board of Directors. As long standing servant leaders to the Native Hawaiian community and people of Hawai’i, they will bring invaluable talents, skills, and perspective to the board that help NHLC to achieve its mission.

In a joint statement from AINA MOMONA, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, a major victory has been achieved for community members, descendants, and Native Hawaiian advocates. The Hawai?i Department of Health has issued a Stop Work Order for the Individual Wastewater System (IWS) project at 4400 Oneone Road, following the disturbance of multiple human burials. This decision comes after consistent efforts from the local community, cultural descendants, and OHA to protect iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains) and safeguard the cultural and environmental resources in the area. Concerns were raised about the project’s potential desecration of iwi kūpuna and its harmful impact on the environment. For further information on the Stop Work Order and ongoing efforts to protect iwi kūpuna, please contact Pu?uhonua o Wailupe at [email protected]. To read the full statement, go to https://lnkd.in/gDKz8ht6

The State of Hawai?i officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day. As we observe this year, we celebrate Hawaiian history, the inherent sovereignty for the lāhui, and the more than 600,000 Native Hawaiians that live across the United States. “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ?āina i ka Pono” The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. -King Kamehameha III

NHLC was grateful to be recognized today by the Honolulu City Council and Councilmember Esther Kia?āina for 50 years of service providing access to justice and advancing Native Hawaiian rights for the benefit of all who call Hawai?i home.

NARF recently joined the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation in two trainings on the National Historic Preservation Act's consultation process. “Native Hawaiians have long sought inclusion in decisions that impact sacred places and our survival as Kanaka Maoli, yet seldom have we been allowed to participate,” said NHLC Senior Staff Attorney Ashley Obrey. “The trainings ... empower and prepare community members and leaders who have been invited to give input on proposed projects on Mauna Kea.” #MaunaKea