Received an email recently saying, “I’ve a friend who’s considering running for the House, she’s articulate, smart, and community minded. I’m hoping you can meet and possibly support her.”
My first thought was absolutely yes. I’m always open to meeting and talking story with people interested in getting more involved.
My second thought was, that big square building on Beretania Street in Honolulu is packed with “articulate, smart, and community minded” go-along-to-get-along corporatists, masquerading as centrists, who’re elected as Democrats. #justsayin
There’s no shortage of legislators, Democrat and Republican alike, who are “articulate, smart, and community minded” and who never, ever raise their hand to challenge — anyone or anything. Nor do many ever initiate serious bold initiatives that will move our community forward.
Where’s the call to action accelerating food, energy, and economic independence? Where are the voices in that big square building demanding the clean-up, restoration and return of the lands at Pohakuloa, Kahuku, Kawailoa-Poamoho, and Makua?
Why are legislators not voting for a roll-back of the ill-conceived tax cuts passed just one year ago? Why not prepare now for the elimination or reduction of Medicaid and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) that is surely coming?
I’m thinking we need more than just articulate, smart, and community minded. Much more.
We need forward-thinking fighters, not just politicians who say the right words.
We need articulate smart people serving in public office who toss and turn in their sleep worrying about that family living under the bridge. We need people sitting in those chairs who’re totally committed to protecting our water, forests, oceans, and shorelines.
Positive change will only happen when we collectively work together to make it so — by electing and supporting leaders who will lead.
If you have roots in the community, with some record of leadership and involvement, and if you’re driven to dedicate your time, energy, and focus, toward making our world a better place — I encourage you to consider running for election to public office.
Roots in the community mean Hawai‘i is your home. We need everyones help but effective candidates must demonstrate a long-term unshakable commitment to the islands.
Having a record of leadership and involvement could come in many forms — student government, in PTSA, community sports, small business, or in nonprofit organizations doing good work in our community.
What are you doing now to help make our world a better place? Do you help clean the beach with Surfrider Foundation? Have you volunteered with the Food Bank, Zero Waste or Big Brothers/Sisters?
Have you worked on the campaigns of others, or submitted testimony to state or county legislative committees?
What keeps you awake at night? What do you care most deeply about?
The 2026 election cycle’s just around the corner. June 2, 2026 is the candidate filing deadline and the primary election is on August 08.
If you’re serious about going down this path, now’s the time to start building your campaigns’ base and infrastructure.
One program offering valuable training for aspiring candidates and others seeking to increase their political leadership skills and effectiveness – is the Kuleana Academy https://www.hapahi.org/k-a
Full disclosure: I’m the former Board President of the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), a 501c3 nonprofit that created and manages the Kuleana Academy — However I’m no longer actively involved and play no role whatsoever in the program admissions process or management.
Also visit the Office of Elections: https://elections.hawaii.gov/candidates/candidate-filing/
If you feel the same urgency of the moment I do, and if you’re willing to stand up and fight for people and the planet from day 1 — I’d encourage you to go for it.
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Gary Hooser served eight years in the state Senate, where he was majority leader. He also served for eight years on the Kaua‘i County Council. He presently writes on Hawai‘i Policy and Politics at www.garyhooser.blog.
