Why start this process now?
As the indigenous people of Hawai'i, Native Hawaiians have an inherent human right to self-determination and self- governance. The overthrow of the Hawaiian nation has been recognized as an illegal act by the United States, the State of Hawai'i and the international community. A process of reconciliation has begun and the Native Hawaiian people have the opportunity to again assert their inherent right to self-determination.

As some individuals and organizations continue to launch legal challenges against Hawaiian rights and entitlements, many in the Hawaiian community are now taking action to solidify Native Hawaiian rights through the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian governing body. Today, the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian government is on the horizon and can be achieved with the will and support of the Hawaiian people. Those who register will eventually be able to help shape the nation to come.
















What could a Native Hawaiian government do for its people?
Generally, governments protect members’ rights and provide a means for justice and security. Common services provided by a government include health care, education, economic development, social service programs, emergency services, and resource management and protection.















Why is registration necessary?
To form a new government, a list must first be compiled of those who want to participate in the formation or establishment of the government. If you do not sign up to vote or participate, someone else will decide the fate of Hawaii Nei.















Who can register?
Any person of Native Hawaiian ancestry may sign up. There is no blood quantum requirement, but verification of Hawaiian ancestry is required. Verification of ancestry may be made by one of the following means:

• Individual has previously submitted ancestry verification documents to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, OHA’s Operation 'Ohana program, or OHA’s Native Hawaiian Registry program.

• Certified copy of birth certificate(s), marriage certificate(s) and/or death certificate(s) indicating Hawaiian parentage.

• Kumu 'Ohana or other legally sufficient methods besides those listed above.
















What comes after registration?
The next stages in the process will be determined by the Native Hawaiian Coalition, a broad-based group of Hawaiian community representatives, which recentlly began its preliminary meetings.















Do I have to live in Hawai`i to register?
No. Kau Inoa registration is open to Hawaiians anywhere in the world. According to figures from the 2000 census, there are approximately 240,000 Hawaiians in Hawai'i and more than 160,000 Hawaiians across the continental United States.















What age do I have to be to sign up?
There is no minimum age to register for the Kau Inoa roll. It will be up to the Native Hawaiian coalition to decide whether to set a minimum voting age.















What if I need help to verify my ancestry?
For further information on how to verify your Native Hawaiian ancestry please contact Hawai'i Maoli at (808) 394-0050.















How was the process developed?
The Kau Inoa registration process was developed by broad-based community working groups, which drew upon previous work done by the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ka Lahui, the Royal Order of Kamehameha’s Oahu chapter and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.















Is the enrollment tied to the Akaka Bill?
No. The Kau Inoa process and the formation of a Hawaiian governing entity is being undertaken as a Hawaiian-community initiative completely independent of the Hawaiian federal recognition bill currently before the U.S. Congress.















What is OHA's role?
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ role in this process is as a facilitator only, providing funding and logistical help. OHA’s leadership intends to support, not direct, this community-driven effort.















Who will be keeping the registration records?
The repository for Kau Inoa registration forms and vital statistics records will be Hawai'i Maoli, the nonprofit entity of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.















Where can I register?
You can download a Kau Inoa form here, print it out and once you have completed it, mail it along with your Hawaiian ancestry verification document(s) to the official repository organization, Hawai'i Maoli, at the address below. You can also obtain a form from most Hawaiian organizations, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Or you can contact:

Hawaii Maoli
P.O. Box 1135
Honolulu, HI 96807
(808) 394-0050

Download the Kau Inoa Registration Form















How long will the registration process last?
The Kau Inoa registration process is ongoing and is likely to last throughout the year. There is no deadline for registration at this time.

Download the Kau Inoa Registration Form