Submitted by Kanaeokana
A coalition of Native Hawaiian serving organizations including Kanaeokana, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Kamehameha Schools, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) have joined together to form Our Kaiāulu Votes, a collective effort to increase election participation among ʻōiwi, youth, and first-time voters.
Our Kaiāulu Votes believes that casting a ballot is a powerful act that connects us to a proud lineage of civic leadership, from our revered aliʻi down to the ʻōpio who are about to vote for the very first time.
“By voting, Native Hawaiians can influence decisions on policies and laws that directly affect their lives, including issues related to land rights, education, healthcare and cultural preservation,” said Niniau Kawaihae, OHA director of Community Engagement.
In 2024, over 100 leaders will be elected by Hawaiʻi voters, from Lahaina to Washington, D.C., And many races will be decided during the Primary Election on August 10.
Our Kaiāulu Votes is organizing its first major voter mobilization on August 9, called the “Walk to the Box.” Voters and supporters of election participation are invited to join these rallies for civic engagement.
Participants are encouraged to bring their completed ballots for dropoff at each location’s drop box. Signs for waving will be provided. These events are intended to be nonpartisan, and participants are asked to refrain from displaying clothing, buttons, or signs associated with political parties or candidates.
“I feel it is important for our whole kaiāulu to vote because it unifies us and allows us to choose representatives who reflect our values. The decisions made by elected leaders impact our culture, ʻāina, and economy significantly, said Haven De Silva, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui.
“As a kaiāulu founded on aloha ʻāina, it is our kuleana, or responsibility, to advocate for our land and its people through the power of our vote.”
Participating Orgs
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
- Hui ʻOihana-Hawaiʻi Island Native
- Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
- Ka Leo o Nā ʻOpio
- Kamehameha Schools
- Kanaeokana
- Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo
- Kanu Hawaiʻi
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs
- Papa Ola Lōkahi
- Waiwai Collective
Participating Kula
- Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi
- Kamehameha Schools Kapālama
- Kamehameha Schools Maui
- Kanu o ka Aina Public Charter School
- Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School
- Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala
- UH Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges
- Windward Community College
 have joined together to form Our Kaiāulu Votes, a collective effort to increase election participation among ‘ōiwi, youth, and first-time voters.){kind=link}