Nā ʻElele o Kahikina Congressional Fellows Program

As Kanaka ʻŌiwi, Kahiki harkens concepts of past, present, and future all at once. Simultaneously, imagery of our ancestral homelands and voyaging toward distant horizons outside Hawaiʻi showcases our capacity to be grounded in our moʻokūʻauhau while navigating toward something new. Kahikina means east, but it also signifies arrival and blessing. It represents the direction of the rising sun, a symbol of new beginnings and enlightenment. It is with this in mind that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaiian Native Corporation (HNC) proudly launch the Nā ʻElele o Kahikina Congressional Fellows Program.

Co-sponsored by OHA and HNC and administered by the E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center and the Nakupuna Foundation, this program cultivates the next generation of Native Hawaiian public servants and policy leaders in Washington, D.C. Rooted in the Hawaiian value of kuleana (responsibility) and inspired by the legacy of those who once carried the voices of Hawaiʻi to the nation’s capital, Nā ʻElele o Kahikina prepares emerging leaders to serve as informed, effective, and culturally grounded representatives of the lāhui.

This bipartisan fellowship places participants in congressional offices, federal agencies, and policy organizations, where they gain firsthand experience in legislative processes, public policy development, and federal advocacy for Native Hawaiian priorities.

Through mentorship, professional training, and cultural grounding, Nā ʻElele o Kahikina strengthens the bridge between Hawaiʻi and Washington, D.C., ensuring that Native Hawaiian perspectives continue to shape the decisions that affect Hawaiʻi’s future.

Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2026 placements. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree or who are graduating with a baccalaureate degree in Spring 2026 are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship placements may be offered in the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation offices, other congressional offices, congressional committees, federal government agencies, or public policy research institutes in Washington, D.C. Due to the limited number of congressional fellowship placements available, early application is strongly encouraged.

The target start date for the first cohort of fellows is July 2026.

Application Checklist

All applicants must complete or gather the following: 

1. Complete all biography and essay questions in application form.
2. Record one (1) video response.
   • Prompt: How will your participation in this fellowship contribute to our legacy as Kanaka ʻŌiwi in advocacy, civic engagement, and aloha ʻāina, particularly in the federal landscape
   • Maximum length: 3 minutes
   • File name example: FirstLastName_Video.mp4
3. Request one (1) letter of recommendation.
4. You must request one letter from a teacher, mentor, or supervisor who can speak to your leadership, readiness, and character.
5. A current resume.
6. Copy of unofficial or official undergraduate college transcript
7. Proof of U.S. residency.
   • Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization
8. Verification of Hawaiian ancestry through OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program. To register click here.

Applicants will be asked to submit their video response, resume, copy of unofficial or official undergraduate college transcript, proof of U.S. residency, and Hawaiian Registry Number to dcfellowship@oha.org.

Need Kōkua?

For questions and assistance please email dcfellowship@oha.org.