Senior Office of Hawaiian Affairs officials have met with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C. to discuss boosting education for Native Hawaiians.

OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona and Chief Executive Officer Clyde Namuo on Wednesday asked Duncan for continued and increased funding of the Native Hawaiian Education Act, which develops educational programs for Native Hawaiians.

They also asked that the department assign specific representatives to develop closer working relationships on Native Hawaiian education matters with OHA.

OHA officials also plan to meet with Hawaii’s congressional delegation on the status of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, also known as the Akaka bill.