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My ʻohana lost our home & the title is in the name of deceased family members. How can we update the title, so we can access loans to rebuild?
By Liʻulā Christensen, NHLC Senior Staff Attorney When multiple family members own undivided interests or shares in a single property, that property is generally considered “heirs’ property.” Sometimes title is still in the name of a deceased relative because the property has passed down, sometimes even across multiple generations, ...
Ola I Ka Wai: Hawaiʻi Water Law
Water is a resource held in trust for the people of Hawaiʻi. The public trust doctrine prioritizes Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices and the health of free-flowing streams and coastal life over private commercial uses. Despite this and other constitutional protections, water has historically been mismanaged and private ...
How can I obtain government records about a project that affects my community?
By Ashley K. Obrey, Esq. NHLC Senior Staff Attorney Access to public records is essential to holding government officials accountable and protecting the interests of the public, including those related to ʻāina and traditional and customary practices. Obtaining information about a government action undoubtedly puts you in a better ...
Nā Kānāwai Kumu o Hawaiʻi, The Foundational Laws of Hawaiʻi
ʻŌlelo: Ma 9 April 1894, ma ʻō aku o hoʻokahi makahiki ma hope o ka hoʻokahuli hewa ʻia o ke Aupuni Mōʻī o Hawaiʻi nei, ua hoʻopuka ʻia he ʻatikala ma lalo o ke poʻo manaʻo; Na Huaolelo Kumu o Hawaii Nei, E Hiki Ole Ai Ke Hoololi Ia, ...
NHLC Assists Lawaiʻa ‘Ohana to Obtain Special Use Permit for Traditional Cultural Fishing in Honua‘ula, Maui
In 2024, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (“NHLC”) represented Mogul Luʻuwai and the Lu‘uwai ‘Ohana in the process of obtaining a Special Use Permit for the practice of their traditional cultural fishing in Honuaʻula, Maui. Mogul and the Luʻuwai ‘Ohana come from a long line of traditional Hawaiian lawaiʻa ...
After Injunction Against 2023 Midwifery Bill, NHLC Testifies on Possible Replacements
In the 2025 Hawaiʻi State legislative session, lawmakers introduced two bills in the House as potential replacements for the 2019 Midwifery Law (HRS §457J): HB 1194 and HB1328, both relating to midwives. Last year, a hui of legal organizations, including Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (“NHLC”), represented maternal caregivers ...
