As part of its mandate to advocate for Native Hawaiians, each year OHA submits a package of proposed bills to the Hawaii State Legislature, and the agency’s Board of Trustees also votes to take positions on a wide variety of legislation impacting the Hawaiian community.
OHA remains the principal public agency in the state responsible for the performance, development, and coordination of programs and activities relating to Native Hawaiians.
Advocacy can take place anywhere – from the lo’i to the White House!
Advocacy is an integral part of what we do at OHA. During the 1978 State of Hawai’i Constitutional Convention that created OHA, convention delegates envisioned an agency that would not only provide Native Hawaiians with a form of self-determination, but one would also advocate on behalf of Native Hawaiians to address historical injustices and challenges arising out of those circumstances. Chapter 10 of the Hawai’i Revised Statute outlines OHA’s duties and purposes, including promoting and protecting the rights of Native Hawaiians.
Eō! Let Your Voice Be Heard! – Engaging the Legislature
Find your Hawai’i senator & representative – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/
Senator & representative info – https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber=all
How to register for an account – (See Below)
Video courtesy of the Legislative Reference Bureau
How to testify – (See Below)
Video courtesy of the Legislative Reference Bureau
How a bill becomes a law – (See Below)
