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HCR 15

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.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kanani Souza

Hawaii legislature urges state Attorney General to defend Kamehameha Schools' Native Hawaiian-preference admissions policy against legal challenges through court filings.

To be offered.
#admissionspolicy #attorneygeneral #kamehamehaschools
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Bill Summary · HCR 15

Legislative bill overview

HCR 15 is a non-binding resolution expressing the Hawaii legislature's support for Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy, which historically has given preference to Native Hawaiian students. The resolution urges the state's Attorney General to file an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief defending this policy if it faces legal challenges.

Why is this important

Kamehameha Schools' race-based admissions policy has faced constitutional challenges similar to those brought against affirmative action in higher education nationally. This resolution signals legislative support for the policy and commits state legal resources to its defense, which has significant implications for education access and Native Hawaiian self-determination in Hawaii, while potentially influencing how the state spends its legal resources on this contested issue.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutionality concerns: The resolution may conflict with recent Supreme Court rulings restricting race-conscious admissions policies; defending the policy could expose the state to legal and financial risk
  • Use of state resources: Some argue the Attorney General's office should prioritize other legal matters and that directing it to file specific briefs raises questions about prosecutorial independence
  • Scope of preference: Disagreement over whether preferences based on Native Hawaiian ancestry (rather than strict race) withstand constitutional scrutiny, and whether this distinction matters legally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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