Native Hawaiian programs and assets that benefit Native Hawaiians can be attacked in federal courts if political recognition from the federal government is not extended to Native Hawaiians.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Board of Trustees prioritizes political recognition of Native Hawaiians by the United States because it is critical to enabling Native Hawaiians to build a brighter future. The U.S. government has processes for extending political recognition to other indigenous groups, but has no process for Native Hawaiians.