“Cultural people have to become political. Our culture has to be the core of our existence, the core of our anger, the core of our mana (power).”
— Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask
This study looked at how Hawaiʻi’s current laws address historical trauma and whether those laws truly support Native Hawaiian youth and families. We reviewed ten years of state legislation to see how policies promote health and well-being, and they identified important gaps where historical trauma was not acknowledged or addressed. Our team then developed practical policy solutions and ranked them based on both impact and feasibility, ensuring the recommendations were realistic and actionable. Community partners were consulted throughout the process to make sure the findings reflected lived experiences and community priorities.
The study found that historical trauma is closely connected to present-day challenges such as higher rates of incarceration and depression, yet current policies often fail to recognize this link. In response, the team created a policy brief urging the state to formally acknowledge historical trauma and invest in culturally grounded healing programs.
Ultimately, this work provides a roadmap for lawmakers to support healing, strengthen families, and help Native Hawaiian youth thrive with the support of their communities.
Community-Focused Policy Advocacy: Evaluating Hawai‘i’s Historical Trauma Legislation
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