The Department of the Interior has announced updates to its policies and procedures aimed at enhancing consultation with the Native Hawaiian Community. This move is part of an effort to fulfill the federal government's responsibility towards regular and meaningful engagement with this community. Alongside these updates, a Solicitor’s opinion was released, reaffirming the federal trust responsibility specifically concerning the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust.

Secretary Deb Haaland stated, "Our ongoing efforts to evolve and strengthen consultation policies and procedures will ensure that the Native Hawaiian Community can engage at the highest levels of the federal government on the issues that matter most. Today’s announcements are part of our work to ensure that the Native Hawaiian Community has seats at the decision-making table and that the Department’s decisions reflect their input." She emphasized collaboration with Native Hawaiian leaders as essential for maximizing opportunities provided by initiatives like climate resilience and clean energy investments under the Biden-Harris administration.

The newly released documents include:

- A chapter in the Departmental Manual mandating consultations between department bureaus/offices and Native Hawaiian leaders on actions affecting community interests.

- Another chapter detailing procedures for government-to-sovereign consultations involving Native Hawaiian Organizations.

- A Solicitor’s M-Opinion confirming ongoing trust duties toward the Native Hawaiian Community, particularly regarding Hawaiian Home Lands.

These updates were informed by feedback from consultations held with the Native Hawaiian Community in 2022 and 2023.