Hawaii Supreme Court Strikes Down Ballot Measure

Hawaii Supreme Court Strikes Down Ballot Measure:  The Hawaii Supreme Court has struck down the question that was to have appeared on the General Election ballot, “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?”   The surcharge (aka property tax) would have been used to fund education; however, the Supreme Court said the measure wasn’t adequately clear to let voters know what they would be voting on.  Thus, voters will not be voting on this question.

Vote for OHA Trustee Candidates

Vote for OHA Trustee Candidates (non-partisan race):  Vote!  Vote! Vote!  All voters can cast votes for the OHA Trustee positions.  Running for election are:  Delegates at Large (3 seats to be filled):  (D) Rowena Akana; (D) Lei Ahu Isa; (D) William Aila, Jr.; (D) Faye Hanohano; (D) Brendon Kalei’aina Lee, and (D) John Waihee IV.  For the O’ahu seat:  (D) Kalei Akaka and (D) Esther Kia’aina; and for the Maui seat, Carmen Hulu Lindsey and Ke’eaumoku Kapu.  Vote informed.  View the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus/Vote Informed OHA Trustee Candidate forum on ‘Olelo channel 49 on 10/30/18, 8:00 p.m.; 10/31/18, 10:00 p.m.; 11/1/18, 8:00 a.m.; and 11/3/18, 11:30 a.m.

Hawai‘i State ConCon – ‘Ae-‘A‘ole?

A HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION – YES OR NO?

On November 6, 2018, the General Election ballot will contain the question, “Shall there be a convention to propose a revision of or amendments to the Constitution?”

Here is a listing of resources to become informed on this important question:

• Hawaiian Affairs Caucus/‘ŌleloVote Informed: Several Native Hawaiian leaders share their perspective on the pros and cons of a constitutional convention.  Panelists include: Mr. Jacob Aki, Mr. Ikaika Hussey, Ms. Lei Kihoi, Dr. Jonathan Osorio, and Ms. Mahealani Wendt.

Broadcast on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 on the following dates and times:  10/23 at 5:30 PM,  10/24 at 10:30 PM, 10/25 at 8:00 AM, and 10/27 at 12:00 PM.  Also, the broadcast can be found on Youtube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYoyCFqjRnM.

• CNHA: Con-Con discussion from the 17th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention with Former Governor Neil Abercrombie and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa can be found on the CNHA Facebook page www.facebook.com/hawaiiancouncil

• Citizen’s Jury: A jury of 18 Hawaii voters who met on three occasions to discuss the pros and cons of a Hawaii State Constitution.  At the last meeting, panelists deliberated amongst themselves and articulated the primary reasons for both supporting and opposing the Constitutional Convention and listed the generally agreed-upon facts about the issue. As a final step, participants voted in a straw poll whether they support or oppose holding a Constitutional Convention.  The results of those meetings and supporting materials can be found at:  http://www.publicpolicycenter.hawaii.edu/projects-programs/con-con-citizens-jury.html.

• The Hawaii State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse: https://hawaii.concon.info contains articles, events and so much more concerning the pros and cons of a Hawaii State Constitutional Convention.

OHA Trustee Candidate Forum Airing Soon

Tune in to ‘Olelo Channel 49. to hear the views of candidates for the position of Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee.  Hosted by the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, Democratic Party of Hawaii.  Featured candidates:  At-Large Seats:  Lei Ahu Isa, William J. Aila, Jr, and Brendon Kalei’aina Lee;  Maui Seat:  Kapu Ke’eaumoku and Carmen Hulu Lindsey; O’ahu Seat:  Kalei Akaka.

Broadcast dates on ‘Olelo Channel 49:  10/30/18, 8:00 p.m.; 10/31/18, 10:00 p.m.; 11/1/18, 8:00 a.m.; and 11/3/18, 11:30 a.m.

HAC Nomination Form

Download and submit this form to nominate someone for the At-Large Maui and At-Large Kauai seat. Deadline Oct. 20.

Micronesians fight racism in Hawaii

I would like to share this article with HAC members. I believe Anita’s experiences are real and we could all learn from it as Micronesians fight against racism in Hawaii.

We can all learn from her observations.

Leimomi

View this email in your browser

Civil Beat logo

Dear reader,

I want to make sure you read Anita Hofschneider’s follow-up to her important story that looked at one woman’s effort to bring attention to racial slurs and discrimination directed at Micronesians:

Read Her Story

Racism in all its ugly forms is alive and well in Hawaii, despite frequent proclamations by some that we live in a “post-racial melting pot.” We take seriously our public-service mandate to challenge these assumptions by listening to traditionally unheard voices and using our platform to amplify their concerns.

We also felt that it was important for Anita, who grew up in Micronesia and is Chamorro and part Yapese, to inform Civil Beat readers why she chose to tell the story.

Our individual experiences shape how we react and interpret the world around us. Journalists are no different. In this case, the richness of Anita’s personal narrative, her eye toward identifying injustice, and her courage to bring these issues to the light came together to produce one of Civil Beat’s more impactful stories.

Judging from your comments and emails in response to Anita’s story, many of you want us to continue this type of reporting – and we couldn’t agree more.

Our newsroom is powered by donations from readers like you. If you find value in the type of reporting we do, please consider becoming a member-supporter by making a tax-deductible gift.

Become a Civil Beat supporter

We can’t continue this work without you.

Mahalo,

Ben Nishimoto
Director of Philanthropy

HAC Legislative Committee Meeting Sep. 26

Aloha e nā hoa,

The HAC’s legislative committee will begin to prepare for the 2019 legislative session with a meeting next Wednesday, September 26. You’re invited to attend.

My goals for this meeting are to briefly recap the successes and failures of this past session, discuss ways we can strengthen our advocacy efforts, and lay the path for the approval of our legislative agenda before the end of the year.

What: HAC Legislative Committee Meeting
Where: DPH Headquarters (627 South Street)
When: Wednesday, September 26, 6-8 PM
Teleconference: (563) 999-2090, 544701

Mahalo,
Raytan Vares
Chair, HAC Legislative Committee

OHA Races Results

Here are the results of the OHA races:

Kalei Akaka and Esther Kia’aina go head to head in the general election for the OHA O’ahu resident seat.  Ms. Akaka garnered 15.7% (or 44,917) votes; and Ms Kia’aina 13.9% (or 39,875) in the primary election.

Incumbent OHA Trustees John Waihee IV, Lei Ahu Isa, and Rowena Akana, lead the race into the general election followed by William Aila, Faye Hanohano, and Brendon Kalei’aina Lee.  All will vie for the three OHA At-Large seats.

Governor Ige won re-election as the Democratic Party candidate going into the general election as did Mazie Hirono and Tulsi Gabbard.  Ed Case won the congressional district 1 seat. All compete in the general election against other parties candidates.

Results of all races can be found at elections.hawaii.gov.

Congressional Candidates’ Statements

Aloha,

The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus respectfully requests that you consider the statements of the candidates for congressional District I and II positions concerning Native Hawaiians as  you cast your ballot for these positions.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT I

“It is the unique responsibility of Hawaii’s Members of Congress to assure that federal law and resources are fully dedicated to the preservation, sustenance and advancement of the indigenous people and culture of Hawai’i. That means providing strong effective leadership in D.C. that embraces Hawaiian issues and goals and advocates effectively for national solutions. I did so during my prior service in Congress, when I represented more Native Hawaiians than any other of our 435 U.S. Representatives. A summary of my prior record is at https://www.edcase.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EdCaseCongressionalRecord.pdf  at pages 15-16. 

I believe that Native Hawaiians and others can best judge my continued commitment and ability to deliver on our mutual goals, foremost among them being establishment of a just relationship with our federal government, by what I’ve already done. I welcome your questions at edcase@edcase,com.”  Ed Case, Candidate, Congressional District I

“If I have the honor of serving Hawai‘i in Congress, you can count on me to fight for the respect Hawai‘i’s host culture deserves. That includes the U.S. government coming to the table to form a productive working relationship with the Native Hawaiian community – on the latter’s terms. I will be a champion of the Native Hawaiian Education Act empowering Native Hawaiian students to reach higher and achieve more. As your representative, I will protect the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act to reduce the disproportionate rates of chronic illness and death in the Native Hawaiian community. I will support an increase in funding for programs aimed at giving Native Hawaiians a leg up when it comes to buying a home in Hawai‘i. And I will always fight to level the playing field for Native Hawaiian small businesses to give them a fair chance to succeed.”  Doug S. Chin, Candidate, Congressional District I

“Our next member of Congress needs to possess knowledge of the unique struggle Native Hawaiians face. Injustices are ongoing, and it’s vital that we do everything we can to correct that.  As your Congresswoman, I would fight for self-determination and federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. I would seek federal funding for Hawaiian homes directly through federal programs or, by requiring the airport and other revenue generating ceded lands to direct a portion of their revenues. I would also seek to support greater educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians, including continuing support for immersion programs. Finally, I would seek greater funding for diversion programs, non-monetary bail and sentencing reforms because Native Hawaiians are subjected to high rates of incarceration. We should ensure Native Hawaiians are treated fairly by the courts and not sent to jail when those of other ethnicities who’ve committed similar crimes receive lighter sentences. On that note, I would ensure private prisons are never an option again in Hawaii”  Beth Keiko Fukumoto, Candidate, Congressional District I

“With the passing of Senator Akaka, I believe it is important to have a Native Hawaiian voice representing Hawaii in Washington. As the only Native Hawaiian candidate and a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools, I can advocate for Native Hawaiians in a way that no one else can. The US overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 was a great injustice and our people struggle with the consequences today.  As Hawaiian Affairs Chair in the State House, I’ve been a champion for native causes including quiet title, archeological impact studies, ‘Olelo Hawai’i and more. In Congress, I will continue our fight to ensure true self-determination and prot‍‍‍ect our sacred places, cultural heritage, and natural resources including a Housing For All plan that would provide an enormous boost to DHHL. (see more:  https://medium.com/@KanielaIng/housing-for-all-746720d094e8).”  Kaniela Saito Ing, Candidate, Congressional District

 “Hawai’i is a special place because of its host culture and we must not only acknowledge this heritage but we must provide Native Hawaiians an opportunity for self-governance if they so choose.  Personally, I have deep roots with the Hawaiian culture through the teachings of Auntie Maiki Aiu, who taught me hula from intermediate school until she passed. As a result, I have been a strong advocate for the funding and establishing of a Hawaiian Music and Dance Center to preserve and perpetuate the heart of the Hawaiian culture.  My son Micah is part Hawaiian, and as his mother, I am proud of his Hawaiian ancestry, and will continue to fiercely defend the rights of Native Hawaiians to secure justice. I firmly believe that we all must embrace the heritage passed down to us from Native Hawaiians. Living Aloha should not be a slogan but a way of life.” Donna Mercado Kim, Candidate Congressional District I

“The Native Hawaiian community and culture is the foundation for our way of life in the Islands. The local values we share and must protect are born from the selfless ideals of community and family that are at the heart of the Native Hawaiian experience. Unfortunately, too many Native Hawaiians are struggling to secure access to health-care, affordable housing, education and jobs that pay a living wage.  Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians will create the framework for self determination. Let’s not forget, the United States overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii and stole their land and resources at gunpoint. Congress can apologize and create programs and policies to help, but without federal recognition, we are simply throwing money at a situation America created. That’s not pono. Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian community lost a great champion with the passing of Senator Daniel K. Akaka. He fought hard for federal recognition and worked to secure funding and establish pro-grams that help Native Hawaiians and Indigenous people.  Continuing his mission, I pledge to take up the fight in Congress.” Ernest Yorihiko Martin, Candidate, Congressional District 1.

“I support and would strongly advocate national legislation that implements the Democratic Party Platform on Native Hawaiians, including supporting appropriations for education, housing, and health; and supporting Native Hawaiians in their efforts to secure justice from our Federal and State governments to repair harms endured by the Hawaiian people since 1893.  I support the rights of Native Hawaiians to self-determination, including the formation of their chosen governmental entity.”  Sam Puletasi, Candidate, Congressional District 1.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT II

“I support the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party Of Hawai’i. I trust in its efforts to practice and promote humanity and righteousness. In providing humanity and righteousness, the Indigenous Hawaiian culture should be preserved for generations to come. As a member of the Affirmative Action Committee, the Environmental Caucus, and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party Of Hawai’i, I am aware of the many challenges that Hawai’i faces. Working with organizations and our government that outreach and educate our ohana on Houselessness, has been and will continue to be an issue that I will strive to find a solution for the Hawaiian people.”  Anthony “Tony” Austin, Candidate, Congressional District II

“I believe that rural Hawaii can be a place of strong, safe, thriving communities where our children can create a happy life in the town where they were raised. I believe that our liberation is tied to our economic success and that success requires access to the resources which allow us to live with dignity, free from violence and poverty— these include access to our homelands, water, a clean and sustainable environment, good schools, a robust rural economy, and quality health care for everyone. Any actions taken to bring justice and empowerment to Native Hawaiians, benefits all Hawaii. Generations of oppression have made us vulnerable to the greed of a powerful few. This theft and injustice must end. We deserve more homes on our homelands,  full compensation for the use of our ceded lands, and equal treatment in the discussions about our sacred places. This is our birthright, these are our homelands, and we are here to ensure that justice flows from our work to the endless generations of Hawaiians that are to come.”  Sherry Alu Campagna, Candidate, Congressional District II

“I’m grateful to have worked with my mentor and friend, the late Senator Daniel K. Akaka. The first Native Hawaiian elected to the United States Congress, Senator Akaka passed the Apology Resolution, which acknowledges the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i and acknowledges that the Native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to inherent sovereignty as a people.  On the path forward, regardless of the mechanism or process in getting there, Native Hawaiians, as a people, should be empowered to determine their own future and what kind of relationship they choose to have with the U.S. federal government. The challenge we continue to face in Congress is a failure by many to recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous people. Native Hawaiian services and programs are constantly under attack. It’s important for us to work together, to find the path forward that best serves the interests of current and future generations of Native Hawaiians.”  Tulsi Gabbard, Candidate, Congressional District II

We also encourage you to visit the Hawaii News Now 2018 Democratic Congressional Debate at:

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/clip/14463072/super-debate-congress.  At the 15 minutes and 31 seconds mark, you can hear the answers these candidates gave to the question, “How would you work to protect existing programs for Native Hawaiians and educate your colleagues in Congress about the unique legal and political relationship between the US and Native Hawaiians?”

Mahalo,

LEIMOMI KHAN
Chair, Hawaiian Affairs Caucus

Report of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus – April–July 2018

REPORT OF THE HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS CAUCUS
APRIL–JULY 2018

  1.   HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS CAUCUS PROTESTS THE DPH PLATFORM, SECTION TITLED, HONORING HAWAIIANS: The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus is in disagreement with the changes to the DPH Platform in that section titled, Honoring Hawaiians, and specifically the deletion of the following sentence,  “We support recognition of Native Hawaiians as indigenous people as provided by the U.S. Constitution; such recognition will add to the process of Native Hawaiian self-determination.”  Our preference was to request the SCC to defer adoption of the Platform language concerning that section titled, “Honoring Hawaiians,” but received a ruling from the DPH Chair that the SCC does not have the power to do that.

In previous years, we worked hard on this language, including holding informational briefings.   Too, the Hawaii State Legislature by Act 195 stated, in part, “In December 2010, the Departments of Justice and the Interior reaffirmed the federal support for the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2010. This reaffirmation recognized that Native Hawaiians are the only one of the nation’s three major indigenous peoples who currently lack a formal government-to-government relationship with the United States.  The purpose Act 195 was to recognize Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population of Hawai‘i.  It is also the State’s desire to support the continuing development of a reorganized Native Hawaiian governing entity and, ultimately, the federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. The legislature urges the office of Hawaiian affairs to continue to support the self-determination process by Native Hawaiians in the formation of their chosen governmental entity.”  Deletion of the highlighted sentence from the DPH Platform effectively diluted its former provisions.  

We take partial accountability for not being “maka‘ala” (alert) to this change when the proposal was being considered by the Platform Committee, but suggest that current processes are lacking in consulting with caucuses recognized by our membership in the DPH constitution as representing historically disempowered or under-represented constituencies due to current or past inequality under law, discrimination, social prejudices, or economic injustice.

Further, considering the enormity of the changes to the Platform at this convention, there was much to be concerned about by all committee members and delegates.   The timeframe for informing delegates prior to the convention was too short to analyze all of the changes, and the process for singling out problematic provisions was not clearly understood by all delegates.  For example, the standing rules did not provide for separating out Platform provisions, yet there was a form circulating on the floor that allowed for separation out; there was also confusion about whether a minority report was necessary.  RECOMMENDED ACTION:  We strongly urge that the SCC Convention and the SCC Rules Committees review all of these processes before the next convention to update them, as appropriate.  We are happy to participate in such discussions. Meantime, we will work to introduce amended language for the Platform for the 2020 convention.

In spite of the above, we should also like to recognize the positive work of the Platform Committee to incorporate Native Hawaiians in various other provisions of the Platform.  

  1.   DISEFRANCHISEMENT OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN OHA TRUSTEES WHO ARE DEMOCRATS:  By the DPH bylaws quoted below, we believe that OHA Trustees, who are Democrats, should have been seated at the DPH convention as delegates, the same as other non-partisan races, such as the Mayor of the O’ahu County.  Yet, they were not.

DPH Bylaws, Article VI, State Convention, Section 2, Composition, Section 2B, states  “Elected Federal, State and County Officials, or officials who may have been appointed to fill a vacant position of an elected official, who meet the following requirements:

(1) Be a member in good standing

(2)  Have attained their present office in an election as a Democrat or appointed to fill a vacant position of an elected official or have attained their present positions in a nonpartisan election provided they are Democratic Party members in good standing.’

(3) The rights and privileges granted in this paragraph are nontransferable.

Further, according to the Attorney General, in its recent audit of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, “THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS (OHA) holds a unique status. It is a State agency established by the State Constitution, independent of the executive branch. OHA has the primary responsibility to better the conditions for Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians. OHA is the principal agency responsible for the performance, development, and coordination of programs and activities relating to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians. OHA’s other purposes include assessing the policies and practices of other State agencies impacting the Hawaiian community and conducting advocacy efforts for the Hawaiian community.”

By the DPH bylaws quoted above, OHA Trustees, who are Democrats, should have been seated at the DPH convention as delegates, the same as other non-partisan races, such as the Mayor of the O’ahu County.  Yet, they were not.

We sought a ruling from the DPH Chair on the above issue before the convening of the DPH Convention and never received a final decision on this issue.  RECOMMENDED ACTION:  The SCC Rules Committee review this issue now and respond to the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus as to whether OHA Trustees, subject to election by the entire state of Hawaii registered voters, who are Democrats may be seated at convention as delegates.

  1.   CRITICISMS OF CAUCUSES, IN GENERAL:  In the Rules Committee meetings and on at least one facebook page of a member of that committee, there were comments made critical of caucuses, such as, “they are private clubs”, “they are not transparent”, “they lack democracy”; “we need to infiltrate them. Every party member who sincerely supports omission of a caucus, should join the caucuses as well as the others they support”, etc.  We resent these kinds of comments that only undermine the good work of the caucuses, such as the Medical Aid in Dying Bill, Marriage Equality, Changing the OHA Election Process to a Primary and General Election, etc.  RECOMMENDED ACTION:    If anyone has a complaint about a caucus, they file it formally with the SCC, otherwise, refrain from such comments that not only undermine the caucuses, but also undermine the Party and its Platform.  Include a way in which a caucus member may file a complaint against such members who make such negative comments without enabling due process for those caucuses being criticized and allow for sanction, reprimand, or removal of that member since their comments are in direct contrast to the establishment of caucuses by the DPH Constitution.

  2.   DPH CONVENTION:  The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus hosted a presentation titled, “Traditional and Customary Native Hawaiian Practices” featuring Moses Haia, Executive Director, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation;  Mr. Lanakila Manquil, cultural practitioner and Hawai‘i island resident; and Senator Kai Kahele on Friday, May 25, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Waikoloa. Attendance was outstanding with an overflow crowd.  Additionally, the Caucus held an exhibit during the convention and attracted over 30 new members. Mahalo to members, Lei Kihoi, Kealii Lopez, and Juanita Brown Kawamoto and the DPH Convention co-chairs for the logistical support provided.

  3.  HAC POLICY & PROCEDURE IN SUPPORT OF CANDIDATES:  The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus adopted policies and procedures outlining the ways in which it will support political (partisan and non-partisan) candidates who are members of the DPH.  Contact Leimomi Khan if interested in receiving a copy.

  4.   CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT:  The HAC is considering an endorsement process.  While we can find no provisions in DNC or DPH bylaws that specifically prohibit the endorsement of a DPH candidate over another DPH candidate in the primary election, we understand that it has been historical practice not to endorse one Democrat over another.  Yet, in fact, we have seen Democratic Party leaders endorse Democrats in the primary. RECOMMENDED ACTION:  The DPH Rules Committee issue a clarifying statement on whether endorsements in the primary are permitted or prohibited and that such clarification be posted on the DPH website.
  5.  HAC OUTREACH TO PARTY LEADERS:  HAC outreached to party leaders by email requesting that they include Democratic Party of Hawaii (DPH) candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee seats in any candidate forums that they may hold.  This request is consistent with DPH Constitution, Article VIII, General Provisions, Section 3, Candidate Support of Platform, Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws, which states, in part, “ Every member of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i shall support candidates who are members of the Party and request the Party’s support in the general, special or nonpartisan elections. “ (Bolded for emphasis)

  6.  TRIBUTE TO SENATOR AKAKA:  All Democrats were invited to participate in a tribute to Senator Akaka in celebration of his life by the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus on Friday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m., at the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda. Members of the HAC Executive Committee led us to Senator Akaka’s casket; followed by a Kanikau (lamentation of mourning) by Jacob Aki; the singing of the Hawaiian lullaby by all and hula accompanied by Kimo DelaCruz and Pikake Enos; the presentation of leis by Juanita Brown Kawamoto and Ken Farm, HAC Executive Committee members, and ending with a presentation of a resolution, expressing our condolences to the family.

  7. HAC HOSTS MEETING OF DPH CHAIR CANDIDATES:  The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus  held a special meeting at the Democratic Party of Hawaii Headquarters, 627 South Street, #105, on May 20, Sunday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.  Featured were the candidates for the position of Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaii who  shared their platform.  These were Gloria Borland, Kealii Lopez, and Tim Vandeveer.  Additionally, we had a lively presentation and discussion about the use of the words, Native Hawaiian, Kanaka Maoli, and Kanaka ʻŌiwi led by Jacob Bryan Aki, member of the HAC Executive Committee.   The result was a recommendation by those in attendance that the DPH Constitution and Bylaws and/or Platform be translated into Hawaiian.

  8.  OHA TRUSTEE CANDIDATE FORUMS:  The HAC hosted a meet the OHA Trustee Candidate Forum, in partnership with ‘Olelo on July 19, 2018, that was televised live on Channel 49.  While all 24 candidates were invited, 13 participated, the majority of whom were Democratic Party of Hawai‘i members. The purpose of the forum was to educate the voting population on the platform of candidates concerning Native Hawaiian issues to enable informed voting.

  9.  HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS CAUCUS (HAC) REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SCC:  We are pleased to announce that Ms. Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego was elected on July 17 as the HAC non-male representative to the State Central Committee.  

Attachment:  Office of Elections Fact Sheet re OHA Elections

OFFICE OF ELECTIONS STATE OF HAWAII

FS136BO002 24 June 2016

FACTSHEET

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Elections

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is a public agency governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for setting policy and managing the agency’s trust.

The Board of Trustees is composed of nine (9) members who are elected to serve four (4) year terms. All voters statewide are allowed to vote in each OHA contest.

Four (4) seats on the Board are at-large trustees. The remaining five (5) seats are resident trustees with one (1) trustee from each of the following islands – Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai.

Qualifications

Candidates for OHA Trustee must be a:

  • Resident of respective island for seats requiring residency
  • Registered voter of the State of Hawaii Election of Island Resident Trustee
  • One (1) candidate: the candidate will be deemed elected at the close of candidate filing.
  • Two (2) candidates: the candidates will appear on the general election ballot. The candidate receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.
  • Three (3) or more candidates: the candidates will appear on the primary election ballot. If a candidate receives majority of the votes cast, excluding blank and over votes, then the candidate is deemed elected. Otherwise, the two (2) candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot. The candidate receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.

Election of At-Large Trustee(s)

In a year with only one (1) at-large trustee seat on the ballot, the following occurs:

  • One (1) candidate: the candidate will be deemed elected at the close of candidate filing.
  • Two (2) candidates: the candidates will bypass the primary election ballot and will instead appear on the general election ballot. The candidate receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.
  • Three (3) or more candidates: the candidates will appear on the primary election ballot. If a candidate receives majority of the votes cast, excluding blank and over votes, then the candidate is deemed elected. Otherwise, the two (2) candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot. The candidate receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.

In a year with three (3) regularly scheduled at-large trustee seats on the ballot, the following occurs:

  • Three (3) candidates: The candidates will be deemed elected at the close of candidate filing.
  • Four (4), five (5), or six (6) candidates: the candidates will appear on the general election ballot. The three candidates receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.
  • Seven (7) or more candidates: the candidates will appear on the primary election ballot.
    • If a candidate receives majority of the votes cast, excluding blank and over votes, then the candidate is deemed elected. The next four (4) candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot. The two (2) candidates receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.
    • If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, then the six (6) candidates receiving the most votes will appear on the general election ballot. The three (3) candidates receiving the most votes in the general election will be deemed elected.

For complete information, please refer to HRS Chapter 13D.

Office of Elections
802 Lehua Avenue
Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
Phone: (808) 453-VOTE (8683)
Neighbor Island Toll Free: 1-800-442-VOTE (8683) TTY: (808) 453-6150

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Elections – Page 2

This FACTSHEET is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as an authority on Hawaii election law. Requirements and/or deadlines may change. Consult the Hawaii Revised Statutes and other sources for more detailed requirements.