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Kuleana Academy is a non-partisan, political, civic, and community-rooted leadership accelerator program.
Kuleana Academy is a civic-leadership accelerator that fosters leaders from frontline communities who seek to center public and community interest ahead of corporate. The academy's curriculum and supportive environment give participants the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to make a real difference in their communities.
The academy's comprehensive curriculum provides participants with a broad overview of social, economic, environmental, and food system challenges that are interconnected and widespread in Hawai‘i.
Additionally, Kuleana Academy offers an in-depth exploration of present civic mechanisms, including Boards & Commissions, elections, advocacy, policy, and organizing. This knowledge equips participants with a robust understanding of the civic landscape and the tools to navigate it effectively.
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HAPA was at the forefront of the movement that passed ordinances in three separate counties to regulate biotech agriculture. But the celebrations did not last long; the biotech companies sought to overturn the new regulations. They appealed the case at the Ninth District Circuit Court, claiming that the regulation of GMO agriculture should be determined at the state level, not by counties. And in 2016, they prevailed. All our efforts to effect change through direct democracy had been summarily foiled.
Such policy setbacks brought into sharp relief the reality that the system stifled community voices while uplifting corporate interests.
This was not just an agriculture issue.
This was a democracy issue.However, this obstacle only strengthened our movement. Our struggle became a broader & more unifying platform. This was not just an agriculture issue. This was a democracy issue. We recognized the need for more progressive leaders that can systemically revitalize local government with community-oriented individuals rather than corporate profits.*
*HAPA is a 501(c)3. We do not endorse any political candidate. We accept candidates from all backgrounds and political affiliations.
To date, out of our 120 alumni
17 ran for public office
12 have been appointed to county and state boards and commissions.
8 sit on Oahu Neighborhood Boards.
3 sit on a state or county State Boards or Commissions.
55 have worked on election campaigns.
11 are currently serving across county councils and the Hawaii State Legislature.
98 are actively involved in grassroots organizing around housing insecurity, land use and military occupation, food systems, and disaster resilience.
39 have led policy initiatives at the county and state levels.
5 sit on nonprofit Boards.
Hoʻomaikaʻi Cohort 8!
The 2025 cohort brings together a powerful and diverse group of emerging leaders from across pae 'āina, ready to transform Hawaiʻi’s political landscape.
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Kuleana Academy currently has 110 graduates— a critical mass— which moves this program into its next and expansive phase.
To broaden Kuleana Academy training, HAPA has developed a suite of related programs called the Kuleana Academy Network. The Network is meant to be a resource and space that HAPA facilitates with staff capacity where KA alumni can share, vet, and recruit for their various campaigns and projects. This network is part of HAPAʻs organizing strategy for developing movement infrastructure.
The Kuleana Network functions to identify potential Kuleana Academy participants and provide more specialized political power-building training. As part of this suite of programs, we provide the following:
One-day workshops focused on a particular campaign skill.Electoral campaign “bootcamps” leading into election cycles for graduates & their network as a refresher in the nuts-and-bolts of running for office.
Convening events and digital spaces for alumni to share & recruit from.
