Governor Green says the state will vigorously defend the Hawaiian Homes program against a federal lawsuit challenging blood quantum eligibility requirements. The lawsuit argues the ancestry-based requirements violate constitutional equal protection clauses.
- A non-Native Hawaiian Oahu resident filed a federal lawsuit after being denied a Hawaiian Home Lands lease due to blood quantum requirements.
- The lawsuit claims the 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry requirement constitutes racial discrimination and violates constitutional protections.
- Governor Green directed the Attorney General to defend the program, saying it addresses historic dispossession of Native Hawaiians.
- The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands awarded over 2,500 leases in 2025 and continues expanding housing projects for beneficiaries.
- Solicitor General Fernandes will lead the state’s legal defense team against the constitutional challenge.
Source: Maui Now
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