At our October 18 General Membership Meeting, members voted on this endorsement. Our official statement is below.
HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS CAUCUS ENDORSES REPRESENTATIVE JILL TOKUDA
The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi proudly endorses Representative Jill Tokuda for reelection to Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District.
Congresswoman Tokuda understands the distinct political and trust relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people, rooted in our history as an Indigenous people who governed ourselves as the Hawaiian Kingdom. She has consistently defended this foundation and the federal government’s responsibilities to Native Hawaiians.
She opposed the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant. She also helped block a defense bill provision that would have allowed the Army to unilaterally condemn military training lands in Hawaiʻi, calling instead for good faith negotiation with our local communities.
Her record includes proposals to improve access to federal arts and culture grants for organizations serving Native Hawaiians, reduce health care costs for Native Hawaiian veterans, and recognize ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month and Hawaiian History Month. She has voiced support for LGBTQ+ and Māhū communities, affirming that “trans rights are human rights” and recognizing Kapaemahu as part of Hawaiʻi’s history and culture.
The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus advances Native Hawaiian self determination and rights, protects our culture, language, sacred sites, ancestral lands and waters, and promotes the wellbeing of our people. Guided by pono, aloha, kuleana, and mālama ʻāina, we stand with Congresswoman Tokuda and look forward to working with her for our lāhui and all of Hawaiʻi’s communities.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Vote. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. If you live in the Second Congressional District and still have your ballot, mail it by Tuesday, October 27. After that, drop it off at a ballot drop box or voter service center by 7:00 p.m. on November 3.
Volunteer. Join sign waving and canvassing with the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi coordinated campaign. Reply to this email and we will connect you.
Talk story. Remind your ʻohana, friends, and coworkers to vote, especially those on the neighbor islands and in rural Oʻahu.
Share. Forward this email and share our endorsement on social media.
Mahalo to everyone who took part in the discussion and voted.
Mahalo,
Hawaiian Affairs Caucus
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