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Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 things to know about Native Hawaiian rights in 2025
HONOLULU (KHON2) — In early 2025, new executive orders from Washington, D.C. put Native Hawaiian programs under a shadow of fear. What looked like a wave of federal changes against diversity, equity and inclusion sparked confusion and concern across Hawai'i. For many, the worry was simple but heavy: Would the federal government still recognize its obligations to Native Hawaiians? DOGE cuts hit Native Hawaiian programs That fear reached classrooms, healthcare clinics, housing programs and small businesses. For Native Hawaiian advocates, it was more than a question about policy. It was a question about identity and survival. But something else happened, too. A quiet, strategic form of advocacy unfolded behind the scenes. Leaders asked questions that mattered. Congress stepped in with sharp reminders. And in time, one agency responded clearly. Now, as the situation continues to evolve, Native Hawaiians are walking forward with clarity, caution and the deep understanding that their rights are rooted in law, not trends. Local political analyst Stan Fichtman provided details on what has been happening, and caught up with Kumu Bradford Lum, former Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, to better understand how we got here and what comes next. Here are the top things to know about Native Hawaiian rights under the 2025 DEI executive orders signed in January were aggressive. They attempted to circumvent Congress end federal DEI programs by removing funding tied to critical race theory and gender identity and pushed a version of 'merit-based' hiring that left out equity concerns. These orders did not name Native Hawaiians directly. But the broad language caused alarm. Many wondered if Hawaiian immersion schools, ʻohana-focused health programs or Native-specific small business supports would be cut. Kumu Lum said Native Hawaiian leadership has been deliberate in drawing a line. 'As far as Native Hawaiian issues, we are doing our best not to be part of the DEI,' Kumu Lum said. 'We are distinguishing ourselves as separate and not be lumped together.' The United States Department of Education backed that distinction in April. In a response to the National Indian Education Association, the department clarified that Native Hawaiian, American Indian and Alaska Native programs are not considered DEI. That clarification helped. According to Fichtman, the relief was immediate. Yes, you can still be Native Hawaiian; and yes, the federal government still has a responsibility to you. The reason Native Hawaiian programs are still standing has nothing to do with DEI. It has everything to do with history. Fichtman indicated that this is about trust obligations going back to Prince Kūhiō and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Native rights are grounded in federal law, not DEI policy; so, dismantling DEI doesn't dismantle those obligations. Kumu Lum puts it this way: 'As Native Hawaiians, Native Americans and Native Alaskans, we are all Indigenous peoples of America.' Hence, that status comes with legal commitments that cannot be erased by a single executive order. Those obligations span housing, education, economic development and health. They are based on trust relationships, not political preference. That legal framework is what protected many Native Hawaiian programs from being swept up in the DEI rollback. In early February, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska sent a letter to the White House's Office of Management and Budget. It was direct. Would the new DEI bans affect Native Hawaiian, Native American and Alaska Native programs? Hawai'i's Senator Brian Schatz, who co-leads the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, helped drive that message. Their letter pointed to law, not ideology. This is where the quiet power of Congress shows up, Fichtman said. A single letter, sent on official committee letterhead, can redirect an entire agency's interpretation of an executive order. OMB never replied. But the Department of Education did. That response, though indirect, was enough to protect key Native Hawaiian programs, for now. The Education Department clarified its position. Other agencies have not. 'We are concerned,' Kumu Lum said. He listed key programs that could be harmed: '$30 million could be affected. Small Business Administration Native 8(a) Business Development Programs. Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. And the Native Hawaiian Education Act, which will impact Hawaiian immersion schools and other Native Hawaiian education programs.' Then there's the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act. Kumu Lum called that out specifically. 'We are truly concerned on Native Hawaiian Health Care Act.' Without formal guidance from agencies like the Department of the Interior or Health and Human Services, those fears remain real. Kumu Lum said it clearly: 'We now have to wait and see what happens and be prepared to what will happen and to find alternative options to accommodate our needs for our Hawaiian keiki, students, parents and kūpuna.' The DEI orders never erased Native identity. But they tested it. Fichtman indicated that this was not just a shift in policy. Rather, it was an existential question. People were wondering, 'Can we still legally be Native Hawaiian in the eyes of the federal government?' What brought the answer wasn't a protest. It wasn't a court ruling. It was a carefully written letter, grounded in law, backed by legacy and followed by another from a federal department. Advocacy doesn't always need to be loud to be effective, Fichtman said. Sometimes, the work is done in conference rooms, not headlines. Kumu Lum's view carries that same message. Native Hawaiian advocates will continue distinguishing their programs from DEI and continue watching how federal agencies interpret the law. They will also continue protecting what matters most, our keiki, our parents and our kūpuna. You can access Fichtman's political analysis at You can find out more about the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus by clicking . Check out more news from around Hawaii The story is not finished. But as 2025 moves ahead, Native Hawaiians are walking with the same strength that guided their ancestors: clarity, kuleana and aloha. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
97th annual Lei Day celebration takes over Kapiʻolani Park
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The month of May kicked off with thousands of people heading down to Kapiʻolani Park for the 97th annual Lei Day celebration. Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains WakeUp2Day's Chris Latronic met with Department of Parks and Recreation's Nathan Serota and 2025 Lei Queen Kuʻulei Aloha Llanos to learn about the event. The all-day event featured a wide variety of island musical and hula performances, Hawaiian cultural protocol, the world-renowned Lei Contest, lei making workshops and artisans and merchants — all in a family-friendly setting. This year's celebration weaved in new elements to progress the legacy of lei-making with the theme 'Hoʻokahi ka ʻilau like ʻana,' or 'Wield the paddles together.'And of course, it wouldn't be a celebration if there wasn't ono food, crafts and the annual Lei Contest! Dale Mar T. Acoba took the crown and won the Mayor's Grand Prize with a lei kui made of hypericum and yarrow. Acoba took home $5,400 in prize money. City officials said all lei from the contest will be taken to Mauna 'Ala (The Royal Mausoleum) and Kawaiāha'o Church on Friday, May 2. Check out more news from around Hawaii The lei will then be placed on the graves and tombs of Hawai'i's ali'i. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cash or clutter? Naming rights bill heads to Governor's desk
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A bill passed in this year's legislative session could change the names of some of the state's most public venues. Senate Bill 583 allows the state to sell naming rights to facilities like the new Aloha Stadium and the Hawaii Convention Center. Community members meet with developers of new Aloha Stadium Supporters said it's smart business, but critics think it's a slippery slope toward commercial clutter. Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains In a move aimed at boosting revenue to pay for the operation and maintenance of the new stadium and the Convention Center, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 583, which permits the leasing of naming rights for state-owned facilities to public or private entities, with the generated funds directed to the facility's special fund. Current law allows for advertising indoor facilities; this legislation opens doors to exterior advertising. 'That's going to increase the value, increase the potential for us to generate revenues that are going to help support and maintain that stadium for that 30-year period of time that we're looking to have an operator run that stadium for us,' said Brennon Morioka, Stadium Authority Chair. Supporters said this could raise a million dollars or more a year for the stadium. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'That could be the difference between having a roof shade or not having a roof shade. Are we going to engineer all of the extras out of there? I think of having extra $30 million potentially for Stanford is going to be good for the public,' said Senator Glenn Wakai, who has been spearheading efforts to fund the new Aloha Stadium without additional taxpayer money The Hawaii Convention Center is also in the spotlight. The Hawaii Tourism Authority supported the bill, seeing it as a means to generate additional revenue. However, the opposition is strong from The Outdoor Circle. 'This could lead to corporate schlock logos, everything screaming from every building or public facility. And we see a slippery slope here,' said Winston Welch, Executive Director of The Outdoor Circle. The Outdoor Circle argues the bill may jeopardize public funding of tax-exempt bonds and may not hold up against the state's longstanding ban on billboards. 'Yes, everybody needs money, but we've found a way for 100 years to do this without sacrificing our visual environment,' said Welch. Yet supporters said the bill is not a threat to Hawaii's scenic beauty. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'We want to keep that pristine environment that we have. This is for one singular building to allow for any kind of corporation to put their logo on the outside of the stadium,' said Sen. Wakai. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. If signed, the law could take effect as early as July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every year on May 1, Hawaiʻi celebrates something special. It's not just another spring day. It's May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi; and it's a time to give, wear and honor lei. Kumu Brad Lum said this day means more than most people realize. 'May Day is very important for me and for my hula halau,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the May Day court. This is an exciting time to honor the lei.' This year, he's not just making lei. He's helping open the event with an oli, performing hula with his halau at Kapiʻolani Park and even serving as the male oli for the day. Here are eight things Kumu Lum said you need to know to fully understand and celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi the right way. The whole idea behind Lei Day is about sharing aloha. 'It's a big time to show your aloha for Lei Day,' Kumu Lum said. People across Hawaiʻi celebrate by making lei, wearing lei, giving lei and dancing hula. 'It's an exciting time to honor the lei,' Kumu Lum added. 'We're all excited.' 'Each island has a lei,' said Kumu Lum. 'And a lot of people don't know this.' For example: Niʻihau has the niʻihau lei that is made with shells. Its color is white. Kauaʻi has mokihana, and its color is purple. Oʻahu has ʻilima, which is bright yellow. Molokaʻi has kukui, which is green and silver. Lānaʻi has kaunaʻoa, an orange vine. Kahoʻolawe has hinahina, which is gray. 'Of course, no one lives on Kahoʻolawe,' said Kumu Lum, 'but we still honor it.' Maui has loke lani, a pink rose. Hawaiʻi Island has lehua, and its main color is red. 'That lehua flower is beautiful,' said Kumu Lum. 'But just a reminder, if you ever go and travel, you can't take it from island to island. They may give you a fine.'Each island's flower comes with a color, and those colors are part of the celebration. Kumu Lum said it helps people connect to where they're from. 'It all depends on what island you're coming from,' he said. 'The colors signify that.' 'May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi started back in March,' said Kumu Lum. 'They picked the Lei Day queen, and that was such a beautiful event.' He described it with pride. 'It was beautiful. It was so professionally done. It was such a great experience. I wish more people could show up.' The City and County of Honolulu's Parks and Recreation department organizes the event. Kumu Lum said he hopes more people get involved each year. 'Please, please do that,' he said. One of the biggest celebrations is at Kapiʻolani Park. That's where Kumu Lum's hula halau will dance. 'I'm very, very, very honored this year,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the Li Day court.' Another major celebration is at Kaimana Beach Hotel. 'They have a huge Lei Day event coming up on May 1 and May 2,' said Kumu Lum. 'Kaimana Beach Hotel is hosting Kalani Peʻa.' (Click here for more details.) He added that the hotel even holds a lei contest. 'Yours truly will be a part as one of my lei will be in the contest as well,' he said with a smile. Some island flowers grow in surprising places. 'There's a specific lei that only is planted on the plateaus of Lānaʻi,' said Kumu Lum. 'It has to be dry. That's the only way that plant can thrive,' he explained. Even Kahoʻolawe, which no one lives on today, is included. 'There's a lot of hinahina all over the place on Kahoʻolawe,' he said. 'So, we honor that.' Kumu Lum encouraged everyone to take part, not just wear a lei for the day. 'I want you to come to the park on Lei Day,' he said. 'We're all excited.' If you've never been to a Lei Day event, he said now is the time. 'If you've never experienced the May Day is Lei Day queen contest, then please do that,' he said. 'It's so beautiful.' Lei Day is a chance to pause and reflect on aloha, culture, and where we come from. 'May Day is very important for me,' said Kumu Lum. 'Because I totally understand what May Day is all about.' To him, the lei is more than something to wear. It's a way to honor people, places, and history. 'This is an exciting time to honor the lei,' he said. 'So come, give a lei, wear a lei, show your aloha.' 'Mahalo,' he said. 'May Day is Lei Day. Give a lei. Wear a lei. Show your lei. Be there. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click for more information on the Lei Day court. You can click for a documented history of Lei Day. Happy Lei Day, Hawaiʻi nei! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 secrets behind the world's most celebrated hula
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Merrie Monarch Festival began yesterday, April 20, in Hilo. For those lucky enough to attend festival, it's more than a hula competition. It's a powerful lesson in standing firm in who you are, where you come from and what you carry forward. 'The preparation is intense,' said Kumu Brad Lum. 'It's daily. A whole week of practice for just seven minutes on stage.' But even more than the dancing, Merrie Monarch teaches a deeper kind of strength — one that's about being rooted, respectful and real. And getting there? That's a lesson, too. For Joylynn and Kumu Lum, even getting tickets to Merrie Monarch is a process that takes planning, patience and a little luck. 'Applications have to be in by Dec. 1,' said Joylynn. 'We sat together, filled out our applications, got our money orders, and mailed them at the post office to give us the best chance of sitting together.' But it didn't go exactly as planned. 'Kumu accidentally sent the receipt for the money order instead of the actual money order,' Joylynn said. 'We were very stressed.' Kumu Lum called the office. 'They were super ʻoloʻolu. They understood and let us resend the money. But everything is by mail. Nothing is digital. They keep it traditional.' And that's the point. Merrie Monarch values what's real, not what's fast. Everything is done by hand just like the hula. Merrie Monarch started in 1964 as a way to boost Hilo's local economy. It was named for King David Kalākaua, known as the 'Merrie Monarch', who loved hula and helped bring it back during a time when it was by 1971, the festival had become something deeper. With the help of 'Aunty' Dottie Thompson and cultural leaders like George Naʻope, the festival became a true celebration of Hawaiian culture. Today, Merrie Monarch is a week-long event filled with dance, art, chanting, storytelling and celebration. It's one of the most respected hula festivals in the world. 'You don't even need a ticket to experience it,' Joylynn said. 'At ʻImiloa, there's lei-making, weaving, learning how to do hula. There's stuff at the Palace Theater, too. There are craft shows all over Hilo. You just have to show up.' The idea of 'dominance' usually means control or force. But for Kumu Lum and Joylynn, real strength is presence. 'I don't like talking about competition,' Kumu Lum said. 'It's a colonized way of thinking. Why should we have competition? King Kalākaua's hula wasn't about that; it was about love and giving.' Joylynn agreed. 'When I competed, I was so stressed. Everyone said, 'Don't think of it as competition. Think of it as perpetuation.' That helped me. I was showing my aloha. I was honoring what my kumu gave me.' For both of them, competition doesn't come from being better than others. It comes from knowing who you are and acting with integrity. 'Hula students should have one word: humility,' said Kumu Lum. 'That's the most important value.' Preparing for Merrie Monarch isn't something one person can do alone. 'It takes many people in the background to get you to Hilo,' said Kumu Lum. 'It costs thousands of dollars. There are lei, costumes, food, housing. I tell everyone: if a hālau is fundraising, support them.' Joylynn added, 'Even if we're not a competition-based hālau, we go to Merrie Monarch every year to learn and observe. It's filled with our hula.' Support means more than money. It means time, effort and commitment. 'Sometimes, students make mistakes,' said Kumu Lum. 'I've seen many cry. You practice every day, almost seven days a week, and then you only have one chance.' Standing strong isn't just for dancers. It's for everyone: men, women, young, old. 'During my days, I was hot oil,' said Kumu Lum. 'I thought I knew everything. But that's not part of hula. That's not the way. If you're humble and filled with joy, that's what matters.' To lead is to serve. To assert presence is to uplift others. That's what hula teaches, according to Kumu Lum. 'This is for our culture,' he said. 'If Merrie Monarch is to thrive, we have to support it. We have to support our hālau. These are the keepers of our culture.' You can click to learn more about the Merrie Monarch Festival Every year, Merrie Monarch opens on Easter Sunday. The ceremonies begin with chant and protocol. Deities are honored. Traditions are kept. 'If you haven't seen the opening, go see it,' said Kumu Lum. 'It's amazing.' In 2025, the festival celebrates its 61st year. And while it began as a way to bring visitors to the Big Island, today its purpose is clear: to keep Native Hawaiian culture alive. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 'The choreography takes months,' said Kumu Lum. 'The kumu chooses who's in the front line, second line, third, fourth. It's a whole process. But what it really is — what it really teaches — is how to stand for something.' And maybe that's the biggest lesson of all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
