The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will have a major role in next week’s Hawaiian Council Native Hawaiian Convention in Tulalip, Washington.
“It is important, maybe more so now than ever, that Native Hawaiians unite to defend and achieve the benefits they deserve and are entitled to,” said OHA Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Thatʻs why the OHA Board of Trustees approved funding to be a major sponsor for Hawaiian Councilʻs annual convention. We look forward to meeting kanaka from home and abroad to discuss the challenges and the opportunities we face together.”
Kahele will deliver the keynote address on Day 2 of the convention, Wednesday, October 8.
OHA Interim Administrator Summer Sylva will be joined by Honolulu City Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina and Breann Nuʻuhiwa at a breakout workshop discussing federal recognition on Day 1 of the convention, Tuesday, October 7.
Several other OHA trustees and staffers will share their expertise and lead and participate in panels, discussions and workshops throughout the convention.
While attending the Hawaiian Council Native Hawaiian Convention attendees will have the opportunity to verify their Hawaiian ancestry for the OHA Hawaiian Registry Program at the OHA booth and have their HRP cards printed on the spot.
Those wishing to apply will need to bring a copy of their birth certificate that shows Native Hawaiian Ancestry. If a birth certificate does not reflect Native Hawaiian ancestry, bring one of a parent or grandparent or great grandparent that indicates Hawaiian ancestry.
A government-issued ID, either a Driver’s License, Passport or State ID, is also required.
If adopted, court documents showing birth parent with Hawaiian ancestry, or a Letter of Racial Extraction (LRE) will be required.
The HRP card entitles cardholders to be eligible for OHA loans, OHA grants, OHA programs, emergency financial assistance, indigenous programs on the U.S. mainland and more.
Visit www.oha.org/registry or call OHA at (808) 594-1835 for more information.
