Hawaii Constitution Article XII Hawaiian Affairs
Hawaii Constitution – Article XII: Hawaiian Affairs
Article XII addresses the protection, preservation, and advancement of the interests of Native Hawaiians. It establishes special provisions recognizing their unique status and the state’s responsibilities toward Hawaiian culture, rights, and self-governance.
📘 Summary of Article XII – Hawaiian Affairs
Section 1 – Policy
Declares the state’s policy to protect and preserve the rights of Native Hawaiians.
Recognizes Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii.
Supports efforts to promote their self-determination and cultural heritage.
Section 2 – Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
Establishes the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a state agency.
OHA’s responsibilities include managing and administering certain assets for the benefit of Native Hawaiians.
OHA board members are elected by Native Hawaiians.
Section 3 – Trusts and Lands
Provides for the management and use of public lands and resources for Native Hawaiian benefit.
Mandates the Legislature to ensure proper use and protection of these lands.
Protects Native Hawaiian rights to traditional and customary practices related to land and resources.
Section 4 – Education and Cultural Preservation
Encourages the development of educational programs that preserve and promote Hawaiian language, culture, and history.
Section 5 – Self-Determination
Supports Native Hawaiian efforts toward self-governance and political autonomy, within the framework of state and federal law.
✅ Summary:
Article XII acknowledges the unique status of Native Hawaiians and commits the state to:
Protect their rights and cultural heritage,
Manage resources and lands to benefit Native Hawaiians,
Support self-determination through OHA,
Promote Hawaiian language and traditions.
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