Hawaii Kupuna Humanitarian Tribunal

Nov 18, 2025By Chief Sheldon Waipa - OHS Chief Liaison
Chief Sheldon Waipa - OHS Chief Liaison

About the Hawai‘i Kupuna Humanitarian Tribunal
The Hawai‘i Kupuna Humanitarian Tribunal (HKHT) is a kupuna-led body dedicated to protecting Hawaiian Subjects under humanitarian, cultural, and international standards. Effective November 18, 2025, the Tribunal operates as a protective, advisory, and evidentiary authority.

What the Tribunal Does
The Tribunal:

Protects Hawaiian Subjects by recognizing and documenting harms
Advises OHS, families, and communities on culturally grounded remedies
Creates official records and Findings of Fact for future legal or international use
Confirms cultural and humanitarian injuries
Supports Protected Person (Geneva IV) recognition through structured kupuna review
How It Helps Hawaiian Subjects
Hawaiian Subjects gain:

A safe place to testify with respect
Documentation that cannot be ignored
Cultural and humanitarian recognition of their experiences
Stronger pathways for OHS advocacy
Greater visibility in international human-rights frameworks
Why It Matters
The Tribunal ensures that kupuna leadership, cultural integrity, and humanitarian values guide our governance response. This builds a resilient, pono-based system that protects the lāhui today and preserves truth for tomorrow.