Keeping the Tradition Alive
The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC) is the only non-profit, public interest law firm, concentrating in the unique area of Native Hawaiian Rights law. NHLC provides legal assistance to families and communities engaged in perpetuating the culture and traditions of Hawai'i's indigenous people.
Founded by several grass roots leaders in 1974, NHLC was a volunteer-run referral service initially. But the high demand for direct help, especially from families who needed legal assistance in protecting their lands, transformed NHLC into a law firm that now provides low cost legal help to approximately 700 clients annually.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Since 1974, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation ("NHLC") has steadfastly provided effective, low cost legal assistance to Native Hawaiian individuals, families and communities in their individual and collective efforts to preserve their traditional Hawaiian lifestyle. Through NHLC's assistance, Native Hawaiians continue to nurture their deep familial relationship to their lands and natural resources via traditional cultural/religious/subsistence practices. At its core, the work of NHLC seeks to protect and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian identity, the very essence of Hawai'i.
As an NHLC employee, I've witnessed first hand the good that has come from our work. Each year, we assist about 700 individuals in situations that range from (a) restoring water to streams for kalo and gathering, (b) enforcing beneficiary rights under the Hawaiian Home lands trust, (c) defending land title for Hawaiian 'ohana, (d) protecting exposed and threatened ancient Hawaiian burials, and (e) perpetuating many other cultural practices endangered by rapid social and economic change.
These good works cannot continue without your support. The staff of NHLC and I are committed to improving and refining the ways we meet our mission. On behalf of the staff and the current and prospective clients of NHLC, I invite you to join us in our efforts to preserve the heart and soul of Hawai'i.
