What are the legal rules for using Hawaiian names in business?
What are the legal rules for using Hawaiian names in business? Can businesses that are not Hawaiian own Hawaiian names? Can businesses that use Hawaiian names stop Hawaiians from using those Hawaiian words? By Makalika Naholowaa, Executive Director Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation State and federal law allow businesses to use and own business and product names incorporating ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as tradenames and trademarks. There is no requirement for the business to be owned or led by kānaka, for any consultation with or consent from members of the Hawaiian community, nor is there a requirement that the company or its ...
Questions about FEMA Aid
UPDATE: The deadline to register for FEMA aid mentioned has been further extended from November 9, 2023 to December 9, 2023. By Kirsha K.M. Durante, NHLC Litigation Director Families affected by the Maui wildfires are still in the early stages of grief and recovery. The road to healing and rebuilding will be long, and there will be many legal questions along the way. We are using this month’s column to address questions about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) because there is a fast-approaching October 10 deadline to register for FEMA aid and we know there are many in the ...
Ask NHLC: Kuleana Lands
I found records in OHA’s Kīpuka Database that my ancestor was awarded, and owned, kuleana lands. I am a direct descendant and want to reclaim ownership of these lands. What do I do next? By Liʻulā Kotaki, NHLC Staff Attorney Discovering our kūpuna’s connections to ʻāina in public records is exciting. These records can raise questions about who legally owns the parcel of land today. If you’re not sure, the next step is to research the chain of title – or complete history of ownership – since the land was awarded. The records that you found are likely a Land ...
Ask NHLC: Personal Representatives
My father passed away and my brother has been designated as personal representative for his estate. Does that mean he will get our family ʻāina? I had the power of attorney for our dad before he died. Am I supposed to be the personal representative? By Liʻulā Christensen, NHLC Senior Staff Attorney When a loved one passes away and the ʻohana is determining how to settle their loved one’s estate, often someone needs the legal authority to inventory, maintain, and distribute that person’s property and assets, called their estate, to those legally entitled to it, including heirs and creditors. For ...
