From a young age, I have been deeply passionate about advocating for justice and improving the lives of others, especially my Native Hawaiian community. My desired career path is to become both an attorney and a lawmaker, where I can combine my skills and interests to address the pressing issues facing Native Hawaiians today, particularly concerning Hawaiian Homestead lands and other pressing social justice matters. I want to influence policies that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of displaced Hawaiians and help restore their access to land and opportunities. I have already taken several steps to lay a strong foundation to achieve my goals. Currently, I am pursuing a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This educational path is critical to my future as it equips me with the knowledge of public policy and law and a deep understanding of Hawaiian history, culture, and the unique challenges the Hawaiian community faces. Hawaiian Studies provides the cultural context and historical framework necessary to advocate for Native Hawaiians, while Political Science helps me understand the inner workings of government and policy-making processes. Both fields align with my career goals and will give me the tools I need to help my community. In addition to my academic studies, I have gained valuable experience working with the Hawaiian Historical Society, where I researched Hawaiian history and cultural practices. This experience deepened my understanding of the historical struggles faced by Native Hawaiians. This experience not only reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career dedicated to helping Hawaiians but also improved my research and analytical skills, which are crucial for both legal work and policy-making. My next career step will be attending law school at Brigham Young University in Provo. Law school will provide me with a strong foundation in legal principles, ethics, and the skills needed for effective advocacy. After completing law school and gaining experience in the legal field, I will run for the Hawaii State Senate when I am 35 years old. With this position, I will have the platform to propose and push for changes to existing laws, particularly those related to Hawaiian Homestead lands. I envision passing laws that reduce the blood quantum requirement, allowing more Hawaiians to receive Homestead lands and helping to address housing and economic inequalities. The skills I have developed align perfectly with my chosen career path. I am highly organized, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator—skills that are essential for both law and politics. My knack for public speaking will help me effectively advocate for policies and communicate with the public. Writing is another strength I have developed and is crucial for drafting legal documents and legislative bills. I am deeply motivated by my interest in Hawaiian history and my desire to help disenfranchised Native Hawaiians. I am also passionate about addressing homelessness and creating policies that help provide affordable housing in Hawaii. Through my career as an attorney and lawmaker, I hope to bring about tangible change that positively impacts my community. I see a future where I can work at the intersection of law and public policy to protect and empower Native Hawaiians. My passion for justice, combined with my skills, experience, and education, will drive me to work toward a more equitable future for Hawaii and its people.

My goal is to build a better future for the Hawaiian people. To accomplish this, I will become both an attorney and a lawmaker in Hawaii, with the vision of creating policies that will restore land rights and opportunities for Native Hawaiians. I believe that reclaiming access to land is essential for the cultural, social, and economic survival of the Hawaiian people. By becoming a lawyer, I will be able to directly advocate for and defend the rights of Native Hawaiians. As a lawmaker, I will have the power to influence legislation and create meaningful change that addresses the challenges faced by my community. This dual path will allow me to build a future where Hawaiians can thrive and sustain their heritage. I am committed to gaining a strong legal education and experience in the practice of law before stepping into the political arena. Upon completing law school, I plan to work in the legal field to gain valuable experience in areas related to Native Hawaiian rights and land issues. Once I have built a solid foundation, I intend to run for the Hawaii State Senate when I turn 35. As a legislator, I will have the platform to introduce and support bills that will help Native Hawaiians regain access to Hawaiian Homestead Lands. Specifically, I aim to reform the blood quantum system that currently limits many Hawaiians from accessing land they are rightfully entitled to, based on their cultural and ancestral connections to the land. Beyond land rights, I am also passionate about addressing the broader economic challenges facing Native Hawaiians, such as the high cost of living in Hawaii. I hope to propose policies that tackle affordable housing shortages, create job opportunities, and offer economic incentives that encourage Hawaiians to stay in the islands and continue building their lives here. By focusing on these key issues, I can help ensure that the Hawaiian people not only have access to land but also have the tools they need to thrive in their communities. Through my career as both an attorney and a lawmaker, I hope to build a future for Hawaiians that supports cultural preservation, economic independence, and social equity. I believe that by focusing on these areas, I can help strengthen the Hawaiian community and ensure that future generations have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

From the time I was 10 years old, I knew that I wanted to pursue two seemingly different paths: acting and law. As a child, I was always creating stories, writing skits with my sisters, and performing for my parents. These early experiences sparked a love for acting that only grew stronger with time. Alongside my passion for the stage, I also found myself captivated by the concepts of justice and fairness. My sisters and I would play courtroom, acting as lawyers and judges, creating mock trials where we’d argue over made-up cases. I couldn’t decide which path to take—I wanted to pursue both careers, and I still do. My journey toward acting has been an exciting one. I even had the chance to audition for the live-action movie Moana, a moment I’ll never forget. While I didn’t land the role, the experience of making an audition video, despite the nerves, gave me a glimpse of what it might be like to pursue acting professionally. I was involved in my high school theater club and participated in two plays, Clue and Trap, which further fueled my love for acting. Theater allowed me to express myself creatively, learn the art of storytelling, and connect with others through the power of performance. However, alongside my love for acting, I felt a deep sense of responsibility for my Native Hawaiian heritage and community. I knew that I wanted to make a tangible difference in the world, and the field of law, particularly focusing on helping the Hawaiian community, called to me. I wanted to be a voice for those who needed legal assistance, especially in securing Hawaiian Homestead lands, which are vital to the well-being and cultural preservation of Native Hawaiians. This sense of purpose led me to pivot from theater to pursue a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a path I feel is not only meaningful but necessary. Before transferring to the University of Hawaii, I attended Loyola Marymount University, where I majored in Theater. I cherished my time there, with one of the highlights being my involvement in the play Men on Boats, where the entire cast was made up of women. This experience deepened my passion for acting and storytelling, but I soon realized my true calling was in law. I felt a strong desire to make a tangible impact in my community, particularly in advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians to access Hawaiian Homestead lands. This led me to pursue a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies, and I am now focused on preparing for law school to become a lawyer who fights for the rights of Native Hawaiians. Although my focus is currently on preparing for law school, I haven’t let go of my passion for acting. I plan to continue pursuing theater on the side, and I am particularly interested in joining Kumuhua Theater, a community theater here in Hawaii. I believe that both acting and law can coexist in my life, and I am excited to see how they will complement each other. Acting has taught me the importance of empathy and communication, skills that will undoubtedly help me in my legal career. Ultimately, I want to pursue both of my passions and use them to serve my community and continue to grow as an individual. I believe I still have my whole life ahead of me, and I’m excited to see where both paths take me.

Throughout my life, my faith in God has been a steady source of strength, guidance, and comfort. It has shaped the way I approach challenges, navigate difficult circumstances, and interact with others. I am currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with the goal of becoming a lawyer. As I pursue my dream of practicing law, I know that my faith will continue to play an integral role, not only in my personal life but in my professional journey as well. Eventually, I will open my own law practice, where I will focus on helping Native Hawaiians acquire Hawaiian Homestead lands. Though the current legal landscape looks challenging, I believe that with God’s guidance, I can make a difference in the lives of Hawaiians and help them gain access to affordable housing. Native Hawaiians face significant obstacles in accessing homestead lands due to the restrictive 50% blood quantum requirement outlined in the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1921. Over time, intermarriage has naturally diluted the percentage of Native Hawaiian ancestry for the majority of Hawaiians, making the eligibility criteria increasingly out of reach. This requirement perpetuates inequality by denying cultural and economic opportunities to a large portion of the Hawaiian population. This outdated policy needs to be revised to reflect the current realities of the Native Hawaiian community and ensure equitable access to homestead lands for all. As I prepare for a career in law, I know that God’s presence will be essential in helping me navigate the complexities of the legal system. I believe that my faith will guide me to act with integrity and empathy. My focus on helping Native Hawaiians acquire their rightful lands is deeply rooted in my belief in justice and equality. For too long, restrictive laws have prevented many Hawaiians from obtaining land that should belong to them, creating a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement. I feel called to use my legal skills to fight for these individuals and families, ensuring that they have access to affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive. My goal of helping Native Hawaiians receive their rightful lands is an idea that is so much bigger than me. I have no idea how I will accomplish that feat, but I have faith that God will guide me through these challenges. Legal reform in this area will not be easy, but I believe that with perseverance, faith, and the support of the community, change is possible. As I continue my studies and eventually open my own practice, I trust that God will provide wisdom and opportunities, and put helpful people on my path so that I can make a lasting impact. My faith reminds me that I do not have to rely solely on my own abilities. With God’s guidance, I will have the courage to take risks, overcome obstacles, and fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. In my future law practice, I hope to be a beacon of hope for Native Hawaiians, advocating for their rights and working tirelessly to ensure that they have access to the land that is their heritage. I am confident that my faith will not only provide me with the strength to face these challenges, but it will also help me remain grounded in my mission to serve others with compassion, justice, and integrity. God’s guidance will be my foundation as I seek to create lasting change for the Hawaiian community and help them secure a place to call home.

My name is Hepua Sorensen, and as a Native Hawaiian, I have seen firsthand how my people have faced significant challenges, especially regarding land ownership, cultural preservation, and economic stability. I believe that understanding the lessons from history and political science can help me make a meaningful difference in the world by informing policies that address these issues. By studying the historical struggles of Hawaiians and how political systems have impacted land access, I can better understand the obstacles we face today and work toward solutions that can heal these wounds. As I pursue my double major in political science and Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I will gain valuable insights into law, policy, and history that will guide me as I seek to become both an attorney and a lawmaker. By understanding the legal frameworks that govern land access for Native Hawaiians, I will be equipped to advocate for policies that expand homeownership opportunities and ensure Hawaiians have fair access to land. Native Hawaiians currently face barriers in accessing homestead lands due to the restrictive 50% blood quantum requirement under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1921. This policy excludes many Hawaiians of lower blood quantum, despite their deep cultural and historical ties to the land. Over generations, intermarriage has naturally reduced the percentage of Native Hawaiian ancestry for the majority of Hawaiians, making the eligibility criteria increasingly unattainable. This requirement perpetuates inequality, denies cultural and economic opportunities to many Hawaiians, and fails to honor the spirit of the HHCA, which was meant to restore land to Native Hawaiians and support their wellbeing. This outdated policy urgently needs revision to reflect the modern realities of the Native Hawaiian community and ensure fair access to homestead lands. Furthermore, my political science education will equip me with the tools to develop policies that promote the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the Hawaiian people, ensuring their continued resilience and growth. Once I complete my legal education and gain experience, I plan to run for office in the Hawaii State Senate. There, I will work to reform the blood quantum system, address affordable housing, and create policies that promote economic stability for Hawaiians, ensuring that future generations can stay in Hawaii and thrive. (Currently, more Native Hawaiians are living outside of Hawaii than in Hawaii because of the high cost of living.) By combining history, law, and political science, I am confident that I can help create a future where Hawaiians have the opportunity to fully thrive in their own homeland. I hope that countries around the world who have colonized Indigenous lands will implement laws that support Indigenous peoples in gaining access to fair housing, and economic and cultural opportunities. I aim to make Hawaii a model for fairness and respect toward Indigenous people in all countries around the world.

My name is Hepua Sorensen, and I am a Native Hawaiian. The Hawaiian people have faced many challenges, especially in terms of land ownership, cultural preservation, and economic stability. Blood quantum, which determines a person’s Native Hawaiian status based on the percentage of Hawaiian ancestry, has created significant barriers to land access for many Hawaiians. My goal is to become both an attorney and a lawmaker, and I will work to promote policies that will help Hawaiian people regain access to land and opportunities necessary for cultural, social, and economic survival. The first step to achieving my goal is to continue my studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and complete my undergraduate degree. I am pursuing a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies, which will give me a solid foundation in law, policy, and Hawaiian history. After completing my undergraduate studies in June 2026, my next step will be to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) Law School in Provo in August 2026. Attending law school at BYU will equip me with the legal skills needed to bring about meaningful change. I will focus on areas of law that directly affect the Hawaiian people, particularly land law and property rights. The knowledge and skills I gain in law school will empower me to assist more Native Hawaiians in achieving homeownership. By understanding the legal framework and policies surrounding laws such as the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and the role of blood quantum in land eligibility in the Hawaiian community, I will be better equipped to navigate the challenges that many Hawaiian families face in securing stable housing. This legal expertise will enable me to advocate for fair access to homeownership. In addition to my legal education, I will also focus on building a political career that will allow me to influence and create laws that benefit the Hawaiian people. Once I complete law school and gain legal experience, I plan to run for office in the Hawaii State Senate when I am 35 years old. As a lawmaker, I will have the platform to introduce bills that aim to reform the blood quantum system and expand eligibility to Hawaiians for Hawaiian Homestead Lands. I also plan to propose policies that address the cost of living in Hawaii for all residents, such as affordable housing initiatives, job creation programs, and economic incentives for Hawaiians who wish to stay and build their lives in Hawaii. One of my main priorities as a lawmaker will be to strengthen laws around land access for Hawaiians, particularly through Hawaiian Homestead Lands and land trusts. By advocating for legislative changes that lower the blood quantum requirement, I aim to give more Hawaiians the opportunity to own homes. My ultimate goal is to create a legal and political environment where Hawaiians can thrive economically, socially, and culturally. By reforming blood quantum laws and creating policies that promote land access and economic stability, I hope to reverse the trend of Hawaiians needing to move to the mainland due to the high cost of living in Hawaii.