2023 - #04: URGING THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO INCORPORATE THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS’ RESPONSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINAL UPDATES TO THE OMB RACE AND ETHNICITY

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Native organization of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its unique relationship with Native nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has submitted comments regarding the initial proposals for updating the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Race and Ethnicity Standards published on January 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, OHA's comments specifically address the crucial matter of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander data, recognizing the high diversity score in Hawaii, making it imperative to gather accurate data to effectively address equity in education, health, housing, and economic stability; and

WHEREAS, the collection and utilization of accurate data are essential for identifying disparities and implementing targeted interventions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other underrepresented communities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association urges the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to incorporate the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) responses and recommendations to the final updates to the OMB Race and Ethnicity Statistical Standards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NIEA recognizes and acknowledges Hawaiʻiʻs status as the state with the highest diversity score in the Nation, highlighting the critical importance of gathering accurate data to fulfill the federal Trust Responsibility towards equity in education, health, and housing for Native Hawaiian funded programs;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NIEA until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.