Education Updates from Strategy and Implementation

Conversations about education have been abundant in recent weeks, with Kamehameha Schools (KS) at the center.

On September 4, 2025, the Virginia-based nonprofit Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) launched a website to gather stories from individuals regarding KS’s admissions policy. Although no lawsuits or complaints have been filed, the site seeks to build a legal case. Its launch sparked widespread reaction, including concern for the future of KS alongside gratitude for the legacy of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi.

Most Kanaka ʻŌiwi have benefited in some way from Pauahi’s will, even without attending KS.

While challenges to KS admissions are not new, this effort feels different. The rapid and chaotic changes to education policies across the United States have created uncertainty for Native Hawaiian education programs. In addition, SFFA has successfully challenged race- conscious admissions elsewhere, and characterizes KS’s preference policy as a “civil rights violation.”

Despite KS receiving no federal funds, community members wonder what might happen going forward.

In response, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) released a statement in support of KS. A petition is also circulating to honor and protect Pauahi’s legacy, with over 24,000 signatures to date. Learn more at ksbe.edu/ola-pauahi#together or sign the petition at actionnetwork.org/petitions/he-inoa-no-pauahi-in-honor-of-pauahi.

These threats are not isolated. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education recently announced it would end discretionary funding for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This decision directly impacts programs that serve Native Hawaiian students through Title IIIA grants.

In addition, community nonprofits that support education initiatives continue to face funding uncertainties, like the community-grounded teacher development program Ka Lama, run by INPEACE.

Amidst these challenges, we are reminded that our path forward is shaped by the wisdom of our kūpuna. Native Hawaiians have always valued education as a pathway toward collective wellbeing.

To all the leaders and educators who have strengthened our education systems: mahalo. While it may seem like hard-fought gains are under attack, generations mentored by the best continue to carry this work forward.

Hana hou i ka ʻAha ʻŌpio; A kāhea for alumni input!

E ʻAha ʻŌpio alumni: You were a part of something rare and powerful. From 1988–2005, ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA gave you space to dream, to debate, to stand for Hawaiʻi’s future.

Now, we are reviving that experience, and we need you. Your manaʻo, your memories, your hopes for tomorrow can guide the next generation of ʻōpio as they step into leadership.

Take a few minutes to share what worked, what inspired you, or what you wish you had back then. Help us create a space where today’s youth can rise, just as you once did. Your voice will help us create a powerful space for today’s ʻōpio to grow as leaders.