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NHLC Recent News

Our Mission

E mālama a e kahu i ka loina me ka moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi.
Protecting and advancing Native Hawaiian identity and culture.

Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is a nonprofit, public interest law firm.

Since 1974, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation has represented Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, families, and communities in legal matters impacting their ability to maintain pilina to the ʻāina, perpetuate Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, and protect the natural environment that Hawaiian culture depends upon.

Our Blog: News + Insights

Our Services

NHLC provides legal services to empower Native Hawaiians families, cultural practitioners, and communities as they defend and assert their legal rights in Native Hawaiian law. Read more about our practice areas here.

Need help? The fastest way to receive assistance is to call our office at (808) 521-2302 during business hours. You can also request help using the form at the button below.

 

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Meet Our Team

Our team of dedicated legal professionals are passionate about protecting Native Hawaiian rights to fulfill NHLC’s mission and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the lāhui.

 

Follow us @nativehawaiianlegal

 

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is happy to announce the introduction of Jamee Miller, Keʻalohi M. Reppun, and Keolamaikalani Dean to its Board of Directors. As long standing servant leaders to the Native Hawaiian community and people of Hawai’i, they will bring invaluable talents, skills, and perspective to the board that help NHLC to achieve its mission.
The State of Hawaiʻi officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day. As we observe this year, we celebrate Hawaiian history, the inherent sovereignty for the lāhui, and the more than 600,000 Native Hawaiians that live across the United States. “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. -King Kamehameha III
NHLC mourns the recent passing of Aunty Pua Burgess, a beloved kūpuna, leader, and friend to many including NHLC. Aunty Pua served on our board from July 8, 2010, and as board president from October 2014 to September 18, 2015. Her commitment to justice, Hawaiian culture, and the lāhui was an inspiration to us all. We were honored to recognize her service at our 41st Anniversary Fundraiser in 2015 and again at the CNHA Convention in 2016, where she received the Native Hawaiian Advocate Award. Aunty Pua’s legacy of leadership and advocacy will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family, and we are forever grateful for her gifts of service. Celebrations of Aunty Pua's life will be taking place on October 11th and 29th.
NHLC was grateful to be recognized today by the @honolulucitycouncil and Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina for 50 years of service providing access to justice and advancing Native Hawaiian rights for the benefit of all who call Hawaiʻi home.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) should not decide whether to fund the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea without consultation with Native Hawaiians. Consultation is required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Native Hawaiian organizations and ‘ohana still have time to request participation in the consultation process. Swipe for more information.
This month's article by NHLC for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Ka Wai Ola was written by Staff Attorney Terina Faʻagau. The article discusses legal analyses other than Ka Paʻakai that consider impacts to Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights. The link to the full article is in NHLC's bio.
Mahalo to the Hilo community for welcoming NHLC and attending the Homesteading clinic this past weekend. Whether you attended the workshop or were not able, if you need assistance regarding homesteading matters please do not hesitate to call the NHLC offices at (808) 521-2302. For information regarding future clinics in the following months, follow NHLC on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can also email info@nhlchi.org to request we come to your community or a special gathering to present and offer clinic appointments.
This Saturday, September 28th from 10am to 12pm, come for legal information and help planning for the future of your Homestead lease or position on the waitlist at Keaukaha Elementary School Cafeteria in Hilo, HI. NHLC attorneys will be on hand to answer questions and help complete DHHL successorship forms. There is no cost and no appointment necessary. This is a joint event hosted by NHLC and DHHL. If you cannot attend this event but need assistance with successorship, call NHLC at 808-521-2302 for help.
Mahalo for joining the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation at this years Native Hawaiian Convention. Whether it was learning the path forward surrounding Native Hawaiian intellectual property to discussing water rights and protection of wahi pana at Mauna Kea and Mauna ʻAla, NHLC was honored to participate as speakers on four panels at the convention. The Convention is a special and important gathering of our lāhui. Mahalo to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for another impactful and manaful event!