Hawaii House Bill HR17

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/26
• Refer: 3/10/26

Caption

Expressing Support For The Kamehameha Schools Admissions Policy And Urging The Hawaii Attorney General To Submit An Amicus Curiae Brief To Defend The Admissions Policy In Any Future Lawsuit.

Impact

The resolution represents a strong legislative backing for Kamehameha Schools amidst ongoing challenges to its admissions policy. It emphasizes the legal precedent established by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed the admissions policy's legality in previous rulings. This support adds a layer of protection against external legal challenges, particularly those from organizations without historical ties to Hawaii that might seek to undermine policies rooted in the Hawaiian heritage. The resolution aims to ensure that these educational policies remain intact and continue to provide necessary support to Native Hawaiian students.

Summary

House Resolution 17 (HR17) expresses support for the Kamehameha Schools admissions policy, which provides admissions preference to children of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This policy was established by Princess Bernice Pauahi Paki Bishop, who intended to remedy historical injustices faced by Native Hawaiians. HR17 underscores the significance of this policy in promoting educational parity and highlights its importance for the cultural identity and self-determination of the Native Hawaiian community. The resolution also urges the Hawaii Attorney General to submit an amicus curiae brief in any future legal challenges to this policy, affirming its constitutionality and necessity.

Contention

While the HR17 resolution aims to protect the admissions policy, it does exist within a broader context of legal and social debates regarding race-conscious admissions practices. The resolution counters the implications of the recent Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College decision that questioned similar race-focused admissions criteria at federally funded institutions. Proponents of HR17 argue that the Kamehameha Schools admissions policy serves a critical role in addressing historical educational disparities for Native Hawaiians, whereas opponents may frame the policy as discriminatory. This ongoing contention highlights the delicate balance between ensuring educational equity for historically marginalized communities and addressing concerns of inclusivity in admissions.