Native Hawaiian programs face legal battles over historical rights and funding
Fifty years ago, the launch of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule'a marked the start of a Native Hawaiian cultural revival. Today, however, key programs supporting Native Hawaiians face legal and political challenges. Lawsuits and funding threats now target long-standing initiatives designed to address historical injustices and improve opportunities for the community. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1920 was created to tackle the economic struggles of Native Hawaiians following the overthrow of the kingdom and U.S. annexation. Under this act, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) uses federal funds to assist eligible individuals with housing—offering loans, rent subsidies, and converting land for affordable use.
The federal government’s trust relationship with Native Hawaiians is recognised in multiple laws, including the HHCA, the 1959 Admission Act, Hawaii’s State Constitution, and the 1993 Apology Resolution. Yet, these programs are now under attack. Critics, including mainland agencies and lawsuits, argue that initiatives like scholarships for healthcare students and admission policies at Kamehameha Schools amount to race-based preferences. Recent legal action includes a federal lawsuit by *Do No Harm* against a scholarship program for Native Hawaiian students pursuing healthcare careers. Another challenge targets Kamehameha Schools’ Hawaiian-preference admission policy, which stems from the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Meanwhile, the Trump administration previously proposed cutting $22.3 million in annual federal funding for DHHL, a move that would have severely impacted housing support. Hawaii’s leadership continues to defend these programs, emphasising their historical basis and role in helping Native Hawaiians access education, housing, and leadership opportunities.
The ongoing disputes highlight tensions between preserving Native Hawaiian rights and legal challenges to long-established policies. If these programs are weakened or dismantled, access to housing, education, and economic advancement for many in the community could be at risk. State officials remain committed to protecting initiatives rooted in over a century of legal and cultural recognition.
