Ola nā Iwi

NHLC’s Ola Nā Iwi program launched in February 2024 to kōkua with the legal services needed to protect familial relationships between mo’opuna, mākua, kūpuna, and iwi kūpuna. The ‘ōlelo noʻeau “ola nā iwi,” the bones live on, recognizes the perpetuation of life through the strength of our families. Ola Nā Iwi is guided by pilina to ʻohana, pilina to the lāhui, and pilina to ʻāina.

The Olā Nā Iwi program is a cradle-to-grave support for ʻohana whose pilina is at risk due to legal processes posing a barrier to their health and wellness. These matters include:

• representation in Child Welfare Services matters for keiki, mākua, and kūpuna to ensure ʻohana have the representation needed to maintain and protect the ʻohana unit when that is in the best interest of the child
• adoption matters to assist families in ensuring permanent care for keiki is formalized legally
• legal Guardianship for keiki, mākua, and kūpuna who need legal caretaking from a trusted and loving ʻohana member
• conservatorships to enable the protection of successorship rights to DHHL ʻaina and ʻohana homes
• expungement services to assist juveniles and adults that qualify for a clean slate to access that assistance, so they can access housing, educational opportunities, and employment necessary to care for their ʻohana.
• defense of iwi kūpuna and mālama iwi kūpuna cultural practices protected under the Hawaiʻi Constitution and Hawaiʻi burial law.

Need assistance? 

• For mālama iwi kūpuna matters, call our office at (808) 521-2302 or contact us using our Contact Form.   So long as NHLC does not have an ethical barrier to discussing the matter with you, NHLC staff will work with you to arrange an initial consultation with an attorney.
• For all other Ola Nā Iwi cases, NHLC currently receives cases by referral only.  For more information regarding how to seek a referral, you may call the NHLC office at (808) 521-2302.

Of Counsel

Litigation Director

• Ho‘i Hou I Ka Iwikuamo‘o: A Legal Primer for the Protection of Iwi Kupuna in Hawai‘i Nei (PDF) by the Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at the University of Hawaii.