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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:48 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2008

No ruling today on OHA case

Advertiser Staff

A federal judge heard arguments today on a case challenging the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' policy of helping all Hawaiians, not just those with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood, but said she will not make a decision on a dismissal motion until either later this week or next week.

The lawsuit Day v. Apoliona was filed by five men each with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood. They contend that public land trust dollars expended by OHA are supposed to be used only for those with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood.

OHA officials insist that by funding programs and services that help all Hawaiians, 50 percent Hawaiians are beneftting.

District Judge Susan Oki Mollway on Friday issued an "inclination" statement that indicated she was leaning toward siding with OHA and its motion to dismiss the case.