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Native Hawaiians face disproportionate social and economic problems, but data about them is often incomplete, complicating efforts to improve the situation.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz gaveled in his first hearing as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee to address Native issues in Hawaii and the rest of the country.

UPDATED: The former official alleges that he was targeted for raising concerns over the office’s finances.

But the idea is controversial as many don’t think that establishing a nation within a nation is the best option.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs also wants several agencies, including county police departments, to release the data they maintain about Native Hawaiians.

It’s the first Hawaii hate crime case brought by the feds in 20 years, but U.S. Attorney Kenji Price is hoping to send a strong message about victimizing others because of their race or color. 

A DHHL proposal to build a casino in Kapolei has folks again talking up the idea of legalized gaming in the islands.

One key takeaway from the report is that effective culturally based solutions exist to address health inequities.

Native Hawaiians cannot take out second mortgages or home equity lines of credit on their homesteads — but not everyone understood that was part of the deal.

Those fortunate enough to secure a DHHL lot — often after waiting years or decades — find themselves unable to access the property’s market value.