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Native Hawaiian programs survive big court test
Friday, January 16, 2004

A federal judge has dismissed a legal challenge to programs benefiting Native Hawaiians.

A group of non-Natives challenged the constitutionality of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a state agency. They claim the state can't restrict benefits based on race.

But U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway said there is a type of "special trust relationship" between the U.S. and Native Hawaiians. She said the benefits are based on a political, not racial, classification.

Congress is considering a bill that would recognize a Native Hawaiian government.

Get the Story:
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against OHA (The Honolulu Advertiser 1/15)
Judge dismisses last OHA challenge (The Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1/15)

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