OHA warns federal education reorganization could disrupt Native Hawaiian programs; trustees ask for D.C. presence

Office of Hawaiian Affairs interim administration told trustees that an imminent U.S. Department of Education consultation could reshape who administers federal programs for Native Hawaiian learners and warned of disruption if major grant-making functions move to interagency agreements managed by other agencies.

Interim leadership summarized that a March 2025 executive order prompted the proposed changes and that the February 10 consultation would examine transferring some education programs and interagency partnerships to the Departments of Interior and Labor. Staff said the Bureau of Indian Education within DOI has experience administering programs for tribal communities but has little historical experience with Native Hawaiian-specific programs and that DOI's existing Native Hawaiian footprint may require coordination and capacity-building to avoid service interruptions.

"These shifts to the educational funding and services landscape are consequential," the presenter said, urging that Native Hawaiian voices be heard before decisions are finalized. Trustees flagged the need for a Washington, D.C. presence to represent OHA and Native Hawaiian interests at the federal level; staff said they are finalizing job descriptions for a chief advocate position funded this fiscal year and expect additional advocacy capacity by FY27.

Why it matters: shifting administrative authority for Native Hawaiian education programs could change grant competitions, timelines, and compliance structures, potentially affecting service continuity for schools and community providers that rely on established Department of Education-administered grants.

Next steps: staff will participate in the federal consultation, coordinate with Native Hawaiian education leaders through the Hawaii Education Alliance Task Force and legislative hui, and return to trustees with periodic reports and a plan for DC advocacy staffing.