20 U.S.C. § 7517 — Definitions

This section defines seven terms used in this part of the law about Native Hawaiian education. "Community consultation" means a public meeting to discuss Native Hawaiian education concerns. The public must get at least 30 days' notice before it happens. "Native Hawaiian" means a U.S. citizen who is a descendant of the people who occupied and held sovereignty over the area that is now the State of Hawaii, before 1778. This ancestry can be shown through genealogical records, verification by Kupuna (elders) or Kamaaina (long-term community residents), or certified birth records. "Native Hawaiian community-based organization" means an organization made up mainly of Native Hawaiians from one specific community, that helps that community's Native Hawaiians develop socially, culturally, and educationally. "Native Hawaiian educational organization" means a private nonprofit organization that: serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; has Native Hawaiians in real, policymaking roles within the organization; builds Native Hawaiian perspective, values, language, culture, and traditions into its core work; has shown real expertise in educating Native Hawaiian youth; and has shown real expertise in research and program development. "Native Hawaiian language" means the one Native American language that is indigenous to the original inhabitants of the State of Hawaii. "Native Hawaiian organization" means a private nonprofit organization that: serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; has Native Hawaiians in real, policymaking roles within the organization; and is recognized by the Governor of Hawaii to plan, run, or administer programs (or parts of programs) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians. "Office of Hawaiian Affairs" means the Office of Hawaiian Affairs established by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.