Hawaii Delegation Files Brief Supporting Kamehameha Schools
Federal lawmakers support a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against the school's Native Hawaiian admissions policy.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law
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Hawaii's congressional delegation filed an amicus brief in federal court to support Kamehameha Schools' motion to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit. The suit claims the school's Native Hawaiian admissions preference is discriminatory.
Why it matters
The lawmakers argue that Congress has a long-standing trust responsibility to protect Native Hawaiian rights and educational interests. This filing asserts that existing federal law justifies the school's admissions practices.
A 2010 federal law explicitly states it is lawful for Kamehameha Schools to offer educational programs to Native Hawaiians first. This legislation is central to the delegation's argument for dismissing the pending lawsuit.
The players
Brian Schatz
He is a U.S. Senator representing Hawaii.
Mazie Hirono
She is a U.S. Senator representing Hawaii.
Ed Case
He is a U.S. Representative serving Hawaii's 1st congressional district.
Jill Tokuda
She is a U.S. Representative serving Hawaii's 2nd congressional district.
Kamehameha Schools
It is a private charitable trust in Hawaii that provides educational services to Native Hawaiian students.
The details
The brief, filed by Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, argues that Congress has the authority to enact legislation protecting Native Hawaiian rights. While the lawmakers are not parties to the lawsuit brought by Students for Fair Admissions, they provide legal arguments for the court to consider.
Timeline
Congress enacted a law regarding Native Hawaiian educational services in 2010.
The congressional delegation filed an amicus brief on October 23, 2026.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii scheduled a hearing for November 17, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the school's policy, such as the plaintiffs in this lawsuit, argue that race-based admissions preferences violate federal equal protection standards. This case represents a broader legal challenge to the constitutionality of specialized programs that prioritize Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.
The court's upcoming ruling will determine whether the current admissions practices at Kamehameha Schools remain legally permissible. This decision carries significant implications for the school's operations and the broader scope of protected educational programs for Native Hawaiians.
The takeaway
This filing underscores the ongoing tension between federal legislative protections and private institution admissions policies. Readers should watch the November hearing to see how the court balances these competing legal arguments.
What happens next
The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii is set to hold a hearing on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit on November 17, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the state, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Honolulu Star Advertiser.
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