native hawaiian leaders

Hawaii's land board rejected the Army's environmental impact statement concerning the Pohakuloa Training Area, reflecting growing distrust due to environmental and cultural concerns. The decision, influenced by community input and the Red Hill fuel spill, challenges the Army's lease renewal for live-fire training grounds.

A federal lawsuit filed in Honolulu by Students for Fair Admissions challenges Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy favouring Native Hawaiians. The group argues the policy violates US civil rights law and constitutes racial discrimination. Backed by anti-DEI efforts nationwide, the case follows similar legal actions after the US Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. Kamehameha Schools, founded under the will of Hawaiian royalty, defends the policy as a legacy of cultural and educational preservation.

Ajay Jain Bhutoria, an Indian American and Democratic Party fundraiser, has been targeted with racist and threatening messages urging him to return to India. The messages, sent from an unknown number, accused Bhutoria of prioritizing Indian interests over American ones.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American Congressman from Illinois, has launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate and received the endorsement of the Indian American Impact Fund. The organization praised Krishnamoorthi as a dedicated leader focused on economic opportunity and national security. Krishnamoorthi aims to become the first South Asian American in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of AANHPI representation in government.

Indian American supporters of Kamala Harris have released a Bollywood-themed campaign song, 'Nacho Nacho,' to engage nearly 5 million South Asian voters in crucial battleground states. The video features Shibani Kashyap's vocals and visuals from the Harris campaign, aiming to energize the community for the upcoming election while emphasizing Harris's leadership qualities.

After a wildfire destroyed schools in Lahaina, Maui, students are faced with the decision of whether to return to their original campuses or continue at the schools that took them in. Some parents are concerned about toxins left behind by the fire, despite reassurances from education officials. Three public schools are set to reopen this week, but some families are opting for other schools or remote classes.

US President Joe Biden has appointed 130 Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration so far, a senior White House official said, the best representation from the community that makes up around one per cent of the American population. "I'm proud to be part of an administration that is committed to diversity and building a government with leaders who look like and represent America," he said.

Golgappa, also known as pani puri or puchka, has been making a frequent appearance at White House receptions, with guests being treated to this delectable and popular Indian street food. Over the past year, it has been served at least twice, with the most recent occasion being the Rose Garden reception hosted by President Joe Biden on Monday to celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.

The US Department of Education has issued layoff notices to 465 staff, threatening the operation of over 40 education grant programmes worth more than $50 billion annually. The affected offices oversee major initiatives like Title I, IDEA, and TRIO. A temporary court halt is in place, but the Trump administration plans to continue the cuts. Without staff to manage grants, funding distribution and compliance monitoring may cease—even if Congress continues to fund the programmes.

Hawaii lawmakers are set to convene this week for the first time since the devastating fire in historic Lahaina highlighted the lethal and expensive threat of wildfires in the era of climate change. The tragic incident has shifted lawmakers' focus.The primary priorities of Hawaii's Legislature include preventing wildfires, as well as aiding the island in recovery. The blaze on August 8 resulted in the loss of 100 lives, the destruction of over 2,000 buildings, and the displacement of 12,000 individuals. Experts project a replacement cost of $5.5 billion for the structures affected by the fire.

Hawaii settles with 13 young plaintiffs in Navahine v. Hawaii Department of Transportation lawsuit to decarbonize transportation by 2045, approved by Judge Tonaki.

Non-binary dress codes are not a trend, they are the future. The near future