They decided to use  rather than  to represent this phoneme. However, that does not prevent anyone from using the t realization, in speaking or in writing, if they so desire. T is used more than k by speakers of Niihau Hawaiian.
They chose to employ  instead of  to represent this phoneme. However, that does not preclude anyone from using the t realization, in speaking or writing, if they choose. T is used more frequently than k by speakers of Niihau Hawaiian.