TULALIP, Wash. — U‘ilani Moore-Wesley, a Native Hawaiian living in California, visited the Office of Hawaiian Affairs booth at the Native Hawaiian Convention held in Tulalip, Wash., and within minutes obtained a Hawaiian Registry Program card that will unlock medical and dental benefits.

Moore-Wesley said Tuesday she was told seven years ago by the nonprofit Consolidated Tribal Health in Ukiah, Calif., that she could receive benefits if she had an HRP card, but said she never had the opportunity until the Hawaiian Council, formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, brought its Native Hawaiian Convention closer to home.

“How important is the Native Hawaiian Convention coming here? It’s as important as air,” said Moore-Wesley, who is with Northern, California-based Xa K

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