Line-Noue Kruse

Dr. Line-Noue Kruse (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Pacific History in the History Department within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Her academic work bridges Pacific history, Indigenous theory, and critical legal studies with a particular focus on American Sāmoa and Moana communities. She holds a PhD from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (2016) along with a Historic Preservation Certificate (2015), and has previously taught at Brigham Young University-Hawai'i, University of Hawai'i West O'ahu, and Honolulu Community College.

Dr. Kruse's research centers on Indigenous theory, critical theory applied to Indigenous land tenure and law, relational communal ontologies in gender, ecological knowledges, Indigenous gender studies, Moana migration and transnationalism, and climate adaptation resilience. Her scholarly approach emphasizes Indigenous ways of knowing and being, particularly examining how colonial legal systems intersect with traditional Pacific governance structures. Her work often explores the tension between customary land systems and modern legal frameworks, with special attention to the protection of Indigenous land rights and cultural practices.

Her publications reveal a consistent focus on Pacific Islander sovereignty, land rights, and the impacts of colonial governance structures on Indigenous communities. She has made significant contributions through her book The Pacific Insular Case of American Sāmoa: Land Rights and Law in Unincorporated US Territories (2018) and numerous peer-reviewed articles examining land tenure systems, women's histories in Oceania, and Pacific Studies pedagogy. Her research demonstrates deep engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical community applications.

Dr. Kruse actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles including as Associate Editor of Pacific Studies Journal (2022-2024) and Editor of Intersections: Journal of Asia Pacific Undergraduate Research (2022-2024). She serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (2025 Chair) and the Hawai'i Council for the Humanities (2024). Her community engagement extends to local initiatives including service with the Huilua Fishpond, Maunawila Heiau - Hawai'i Land Trust, and as Chairperson for Lā'ie Elementary School 6th Grade Graduation.

As an educator, Dr. Kruse teaches courses in Pacific history, World history, and select courses in American and Indigenous history. Her teaching philosophy integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with academic discourse, particularly evident in her work teaching women's histories in Oceania. She has created innovative programming including the Intersections Talanoa Podcast to provide students with platforms to share their scholarship and backgrounds. Her commitment to community extends to founding the Inaugural Launch of the Intersections Journal and co-curating the Asian American Pacific Islander Art Show.