Aloha DPH Members and Hawaiian Affairs Caucus,
As we approach the November 3 General Election, I want to share a few updates on our Hawaiian Affairs Caucus’s work and thank everyone who continues to contribute their time, energy, and aloha to our organization.
Celebrating ʻOnipaʻa and Honoring Our Leaders
Mahalo nui loa to everyone who joined us on September 25 for our ʻOnipaʻa Fundraiser, Her Legacy, Our Future, at 801 South Street.
Held during Hawaiian History Month, the evening brought us together to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy, celebrate community leadership, and strengthen the relationships that make our Caucus possible.
We were especially proud to present two inaugural awards:
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Queen Liliʻuokalani ʻOnipaʻa Leadership Award to former Governor John Waiheʻe III, recognizing his leadership, public service, and enduring contributions to the Native Hawaiian community.
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Ka Kūpaʻa Award to Roth Puahala, our HAC Region 5 Chair, recognizing his steadfast commitment, service, and dedication to our Caucus and community.
Both honorees remind us that leadership is about more than holding a position. It is about showing up, standing by our values, and doing the work to make things better for our lāhui.
Mahalo to everyone who attended, contributed, volunteered, and helped make the evening possible.
If you missed the evening, or want to relive it, watch our ʻOnipaʻa video HERE.
Your support helps us continue our advocacy and outreach, prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2027, and strengthen the voice of Native Hawaiians within the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
HAC Housing Survey: Listening to Our Members
From September 1 through September 30, the Caucus conducted a housing survey to understand better the challenges and priorities facing our members.
Housing affordability, homeownership opportunities, and local families’ ability to remain in Hawaiʻi remain important concerns. The survey will help inform our Caucus’s policy discussions and legislative priorities, particularly as we look toward the 2027 Legislative Session.
We encourage you to review the findings and recommendations in our report HERE.
Coming This Week: OHA Candidate Questionnaire and Legislative Priorities
The Caucus recently invited candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees to respond to a questionnaire addressing issues that will shape OHA’s future and affect our Native Hawaiian community.
We expect to share the candidate responses by the end of this week, along with a report from our HAC Legislative Committee outlining proposed priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session.
These resources are intended to help members stay informed about the issues, understand candidates’ positions, and follow our Caucus’s policy work.
Join Us: HAC General Membership Meeting
Our next HAC General Membership meeting will be held on Sunday, October 18, at 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity to hear updates from our committees, discuss the OHA candidate responses and our proposed 2027 legislative priorities, and help shape the next steps for our Caucus.
Location:
IN-PERSON – DPH Office, 627 South St., Ste. 105
ZOOM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87881685503?pwd=eoaIbOIz0ZYaeSlvOMqgUaCyYNFoKe.1
Meeting ID: 878 8168 5503
Passcode: 111886
All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
The General Election Is November 3
Finally, I encourage everyone to review their ballot and participate in the November 3 General Election. Ballots are expected to begin arriving in mailboxes on October 16. In addition to candidates seeking public office, voters may also decide on proposed charter amendments and other ballot questions that could affect how our government operates and serves our communities.
Our Caucus is strongest when our members are informed, engaged, and willing to take part in the decisions that affect our communities.
Mahalo,
Mokihana Maldonado
Chair, Hawaiian Affairs Caucus
Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi