HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 427 Draft 01 2024-2026COUNTY OF HAWAI`I STATE OF HAWAI`I
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND REAFFIRMING THE KAMEHAMEHA
SCHOOLS' ADMISSION POLICY, MISSION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
NATIVE HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY, AND EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY AS IT
DEFENDS THE LEGACY OF KE ALI`I BERNICE PAUAHI BISHOP.
WHEREAS, in 1883, Kamehameha Schools was founded under the will of Princess
Bernice Pauahi Bishop as a private, charitable trust dedicated to improving the well-being of
Native Hawaiians through education; and
WHEREAS, Ke Ali`i Pauahi, was descended from generations of ali`i and inherited
lands passed down from Hawai`i's royal lineages; and
WHEREAS, since its establishment, Kamehameha Schools has upheld Pauahi's vision
for nearly one hundred forty years by preserving the Hawaiian language, promoting culture -
based education, and granting scholarships, thus supporting the education of thousands of
haumana across the pae `aina; and
WHEREAS, Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy withstood two challenges in
federal courts, notably with the Ninth Circuit Court upholding the policy in 2006, recognizing its
validity as a remedial measure; and
WHEREAS, a new challenge to the admissions policy was filed on October 20, 2025, by
the Virginia -based, nonprofit organization, Students for Fair Admissions, seeking to dismantle
Kamehameha Schools' one -hundred -forty -year -old policy grounded in Ke Ali`i Pauahi's will;
and
WHEREAS, Kamehameha Schools has pledged to vigorously defend its admissions
policy, affirming that preserving the policy is essential to upholding the integrity of Ke Ali`i
Pauahi's kauoha (testamentary instructions); and
WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawaii recognizes Kamehameha Schools'
long-standing contributions to education, land stewardship, cultural perpetuation, and community
well-being across Hawaii Island; now, therefore,
body:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I that this
1. Expresses solidarity with Kamehameha Schools as it defends its admissions policy
and the legacy and charitable intent of Ke Ali`i Bernice Pauahi Bishop; and
2. Honors and reaffirms Pauahi's vision, whose enduring gift continues to strengthen
the cultural, educational, and spiritual fabric of Hawaii; and
3. Strongly supports the Kamehameha Schools' mission and recognizes its
contributions to the Native Hawaiian community; and
4. Affirms the County of Hawai`i's commitment to educational equity, cultural
preservation, and self-determination for Native Hawaiians.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that the Council encourages all residents of
Hawaii Island to recognize and support Kamehameha Schools' efforts in preserving Native
Hawaiian culture, language, and educational opportunities, and to celebrate the enduring legacy
of Ke Ali`i Bernice Pauahi Bishop in strengthening the well-being of the Native Hawaiian
community.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Honorable Joshua B. Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaii; Members
of the State Legislature; Anne E. Lopez, Attorney General; Kaiali`i Kahele, Chair of the Board
of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Kali Watson, Chairman of the Hawaiian Homes
Commission; Dawn N.S. Chang, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; the
Honorable Keith T. Hayashi, Superintendent of the Department of Education; the Honorable
Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; the Honorable Derek S.K.
Kawakami, Mayor of the County of Kauai; the Honorable Richard T. Bissen, Jr., Mayor of the
County of Maui; the Honorable C. Kimo Alameda, Mayor of the County of Hawaii; Crystal K.
Rose, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Livingston "Jack" Wong, Chief Executive Officer of
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Kamehameha Schools; Dr. Wai`ale`ale Arroyo, Interim Po`a Kula, Kamehameha Schools
Kapalama; Dr. Scott Parker, Po`o Kula, Kamehameha Schools Maui; Kdhealani Nae`ole-Wong,
Po`o Kula, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii; and Shelli Kim, Vice President of Hi`ialo.
Dated at Hilo , Hawai`i, this 7th day of January > 20 26,
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of HawaN on January 7 2026
ATTEST:
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAPI
CLER HA PERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GAIAMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALVI-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
9
0
0
u0
Reference: C-661/Waived GOEAC
RESOLUTION NO. 4"�"4
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