Interior Department Strengthens Native Hawaiian Consultation Policies and Procedures, Affirms Federal Trust Responsibility to Native Hawaiian Community

01/16/2025
Last edited 01/17/2025

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today announced updated policies and procedures to strengthen and fulfill the federal government’s responsibility to ensure regular and meaningful consultation with the Native Hawaiian Community. Additionally, the Department released a Solicitor’s opinion reaffirming the federal government’s trust responsibility to the Native Hawaiian Community, particularly as it relates to matters involving the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust.

“Our ongoing efforts to evolve and strengthen consultation policies and procedures will ensure that the Native Hawaiian Community can engage at the highest levels of the federal government on the issues that matter most. Today’s announcements are part of our work to ensure that the Native Hawaiian Community has seats at the decision-making table and that the Department’s decisions reflect their input,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “From climate resilience to clean energy investments, the Biden-Harris administration has made available unprecedented resources for Hawaiʻi – but we maximize those opportunities only when we work in partnership with Native Hawaiian Community leaders and organizations.”

The Department today released:

  • A new chapter within the agency’s Departmental Manual that affirms the requirement that the Department’s bureaus and offices consult with Native Hawaiian leaders and organizations on agency actions that may implicate Native Hawaiian Community interests.
  • A second Departmental Manual chapter that provides procedures and process for government-to-sovereign consultations between the Department and the Native Hawaiian Community, to include Native Hawaiian Organizations.
  • A Solicitor’s M-Opinion, a final legal interpretation, reaffirming the United States’ ongoing trust and political relationship with the Native Hawaiian Community, including on matters involving the Hawaiian Home Lands. The opinion confirms that the Secretary of the Interior has explicit trust duties, as affirmed by Congress, and that the Department’s responsibilities require consultation with the Native Hawaiian Community.

The Departmental Manual chapters benefited from feedback received during consultations with the Native Hawaiian Community in 2022 and 2023.

###

  • Press Release
    Department of the Interior bison seal set against green mountainous background.
    07/22/2026

    Interior Highlights Scientific Leadership Supporting the Genesis Mission

    The U.S. Department of the Interior today highlighted its extensive contributions to the Genesis Mission, a government-wide initiative led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy that harnesses artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen American Energy Dominance and bolster national security.

    Read more
  • Press Release
    Secretary Burgum and 2 park rangers holding giant scissors at a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
    04/21/2026

    Department of the Interior Reopens Restored Tidal Basin Seawall

    The Department of the Interior today announced the completion and reopening of the rehabilitated Tidal Basin and Potomac River seawalls, marking a significant infrastructure milestone supported by President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act. Following a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the newly restored area is now open for public access.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment