NHLC Joins the Kalana Ola Coalition for Compassionate Release
The Kalana Ola coalition was formed in 2025 to assist paʻahao (incarcerated individuals) who may be eligible for compassionate or medical release. Kalana Ola means “freed and forgiven to heal,” signifying the compassion in releasing paʻahao who are elderly, near end of life, or critically ill. Compassionate release is rooted in humanitarian principles and aligned with Native Hawaiian values of aloha, mālama (care), and kuleana (responsibility to one another). This relief is acutely needed for Native Hawaiian paʻahao, who are substantially over-represented in the Hawai’i prison system. This longstanding crises for Hawaiian ʻohana disrupts the pono and the perpetuation of ola through ...
Public Testimony of NHLC in Opposition of HB1459
The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation OPPOSES HB1459, a bill that will mandate monetary restitution in juvenile sentencing. Read NHLC’s public testimony here: NHLC Opposes HB1459 Read HB1459 here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/HB1459_HD1_.HTM
Public Testimony of NHLC in Support of HB2516
The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation joins the Hawaiʻi Correctional Oversight Commission and other experts in calling on the State to stop planning the privately-owned jail. Instead, the State should start an inclusive and systemic planning process, including meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians and other community stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Hawaiʻi. The manaʻo and ʻike of the lāhui is essential to creating a better plan for Native Hawaiians and for all of the people of Hawaii. Read NHLC’s public testimony here: NHLC Supports HB2516 Read HB2516 here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/HB2516_HD1_.HTM
