The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it’s pleased with a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court over how it uses its trust funds.

Four plaintiffs had  challenging OHA’s funding for the Akaka bill, Nā Pua No‘eau education program, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. and Alu Like Inc.’s social services program.

According to an OHA press release, the agency argued that trustees “have discretion under trust law to decide how to benefit native Hawaiians and all Hawaiians.”

OHA Attorney Robert Klein said “the decision settles once and for all whether OHA can create or fund programs to serve Hawaiians with any level of blood quantum.”

 OHA Chairperson Colette Machado said, “This is a landmark decision. This issue has now been decided in both state and federal court. This is a great day for all Hawaiians.” 

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May.

Photo: Imua. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair