Author: Blaine Fergerstrom

About Us

Hawaiian Affairs Caucus table at the 2016 Democratic Party Convention.
Hawaiian Affairs Caucus table at the 2016 Democratic Party Convention.

The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus

The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i is founded on Hawaiian cultural values of aloha, mālama ‘āina, ho‘okipa and kuleana.  Our work and interaction within the ‘ohana, in the community, and with one another will reflect these values.

Hawaiian Affairs Caucus members serenade outgoing Democratic Party Chair Cante Carpenter at the 2014 State Democratic Convention.
Hawaiian Affairs Caucus members serenade outgoing Democratic Party Chair Cante Carpenter at the 2014 State Democratic Convention.

The Democratic Party of Hawai‘i

Founded April 30, 1900 by supporters of Queen Liliuokalani: John H. Wilson, John S. McGrew, Charles J. McCarthy, David Kawānanakoa and Delbert Evener Metzger. The Party promoted the Jeffersonian philosophy and home rule. The first convention was held on May 16, 1900 and attended by 500 people. The party’s platform is based on the values of liberty and social justice, with compassion and respect towards the individual.

Prince David Kawānanakoa attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention in Kansas City, becoming the first royal attendee. At the convention, Kawānanakoa formed an affiliation between the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Democratic Party of the United States. Further, Hawaiian nationalism has been one of the Party’s founding principles and the DPH was founded, in part, to bring Hawaiian representation to government.

Join Us!

Hawaiian Affairs Caucus membership brochure coverDownload our membership brochure for information on joining the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i.

Our Mission

Founded in 2006, the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus is one of seven caucuses established by the Democratic Party of Hawaii to represent historically disempowered or under-represented constituencies due to current or past inequality under law. The intent of the Party was to ensure constituents of Caucuses and our causes of civil rights and equality kept a high profile in the Party, and that our traditionally disenfranchised or underrepresented constituencies had a voice at the table of Party leadership.

Hawaiian Affairs Caucus table at the 2016 Democratic Party Convention.
Hawaiian Affairs Caucus table at the 2016 Democratic Party Convention.

The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus supports and promotes cultural values of aloha, malama aina, ho’okipa, kuleana and, above all, pono.  It seeks to address issues of self-determination and rights, including protection of Hawaiian cultural practices and sacred sites, pono economic development, distribution of wealth to those segments of society most in need, protection of Hawai‘i’s natural resources (on the ‘āina and in the kai), and accountability of public servants identified as Democrats to the mission and goals of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i with regard to the above objectives.