Transforming Hawai‘i’s justice system through Native Hawaiian cultural practices and values.
ʻŌpio Voices Matter
At Ekolu Mea Nui, we believe youth are not just impacted by policy — they are essential to shaping it. Young people with lived experience in the justice system carry insight, wisdom, and solutions that must be heard.
Our legislative advocacy uplifts youth voices to inform policies rooted in dignity, accountability, and healing.
Current Priority Legislation 2026
RELATING TO YOUTH PENALTIES.
HB 1626
Prohibits the assessment of any fees, fines, or court costs against a person who was adjudicated for an offense committed during the person's minority, or against the person's parent or guardian, and discharges all related debt obligations assessed before the effective date of the Act
and companion SB 2540
How You Can Support Youth-Led Change
You can stand with youth by:
Listening to and amplifying youth voices
Staying informed on the progress of these bills
Submitting testimony in support of youth-centered policy
Welina mai kākou e nā hoa o ʻEkolu Mea Nui
Welcome to the official website of ʻEkolu Mea Nui. This website has been developed as a resource for our community, providing access to programming for our ʻōpio, and championing the transformation of Hawaiʻiʻs justice system through Native Hawaiian cultural practices and values.
We envision a pono justice system in Hawai‘i that heals and empowers individuals, ‘ohana, and communities.
WIPCE 2025
WIPCE 2025
Visit us at WIPCE 2025 (Auckland, NZ) for a presentation on Hoʻiwai: A Native Hawaiian Framework for Healing, Justice, and Collective Liberation held on Wednesday, November 19th at 3:45pm in C112
Our Programming
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Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai
Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai are our youth ambassadors who have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by the criminal justice system. This initiative is our commitment to breaking cycles of intergenerational incarceration by empowering youth to build strong, hopeful, and purpose-driven futures.
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Hoʻiwai Innovative Research Institute
Hoʻiwai is a community-based research institute committed to producing rigorous, culturally grounded research rooted in Native Hawaiian values and ways of knowing.
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Hoʻiwaiwai Farms & Healing Center - Punaluʻu
This farm provides a healing opportunity for families to work on the land, commune with the ʻāina and heal through togetherness and hands-on work that provides for the larger lāhui.
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Crack House - Seeds of Change
Ekolu Mea Nui’s signature crack seed mix showcases over a dozen different seeds. All proceeds support our work to transform Hawai‘i’s justice system through Native Hawaiian cultural practices and values
