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Native Hawaiian programs survive big court test
Friday, January 16, 2004
A federal judge has dismissed a legal challenge to programs benefiting Native Hawaiians.
A group of non-Natives challenged the constitutionality of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a state agency. They claim the state can't restrict benefits based on race.
But
U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway said there is a type of "special trust relationship" between the U.S. and Native Hawaiians. She said the benefits are based on a political, not racial, classification.
Congress is considering a bill that would recognize a Native Hawaiian government.
Get the Story:
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against OHA
(The Honolulu Advertiser 1/15)
Judge dismisses
last OHA challenge
(The Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1/15)
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