May 18, 2026
Papa Ola Lōkahi has filed a motion to intervene in Do No Harm v. U.S. Dep’t of Health & Human Servs., No. 1:26-cv-01062 (D.D.C. 2026). The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, a program rooted in Congress’s longstanding recognition of the United States government’s trust responsibilities to Native Hawaiians.
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program was established by Congress as part of the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act to increase the number of Native Hawaiian health care professionals serving their communities. The program supports Native Hawaiian students pursuing health profession education and service in medically underserved areas across Hawaiʻi.
Papa Ola Lōkahi jointly administers the program with the United States Health Resources and Services Administration pursuant to a cooperative agreement, consistent with program requirements set forth in the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. As a joint administrator, Papa Ola Lōkahi has a direct responsibility to support its implementation and the communities it serves.
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program has had a significant impact on a longstanding and continuing shortage of health care professionals serving Native Hawaiian communities. Since its creation by Congress more than three decades ago, the Scholarship Program has helped more than 300 scholars pursue health profession education and placements serving Native Hawaiians and communities in Hawaiʻi.
“This program helps strengthen health care access in medically underserved communities across Hawaiʻi, and we remain committed to that work,” said Sheri Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Papa Ola Lōkahi. “Papa Ola Lōkahi has a responsibility to support the health and well-being of our communities and to carry out the mission Congress entrusted to us through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act.”
Papa Ola Lōkahi remains focused on its mission to improve the health status and well-being of Native Hawaiians and their ʻohana. Because this matter is currently before the court, Papa Ola Lōkahi will not comment on ongoing litigation beyond the information contained in its court filings.
Papa Ola Lōkahi’s motion to intervene and proposed answer in the case are accessible here. Counsel for Papa Ola Lōkahi includes the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC), the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP.
Contact Keʻōpūlaulani Reelitz
media@papaolalokahi.org
