Clean Elections State Legislative Debrief 2023
What are Hawaii’s next steps to publicly funded elections?
Voters cast their ballots. Photo-credit: Marie Hobro
Written by: Nanea Lo, HAPA Administrative & Programs Coordinator
During this past 2023 Legislative Session, I represented Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) in an advocacy coalition, or hui, called Clean Elections and the Our Hawaiʻi Movement. Our Hawaiʻi is a collective that was launched a year and a half ago to build a movement that could ultimately create a Hawai'i that works for local working people, not corporate or "big money" interests.
I am an optimistic type of person, so I thought it was in the bag! Along with Our Hawaiʻi, I led HAPAʻs digital organizing, pushing hard for publicly funded elections. We at HAPA believe this is a critical step towards enhancing democracy and leveling the political playing field.
I believe in creating a system that prioritizes public interest over private funding. I believe in a system that amplifies the voices of ordinary citizens, not just the affluent ones. I believe in a system that works for us all. However, throughout the session, I saw Our Hawaiʻi coming head-to-head with legislators who seemed more interested in maintaining their positions than enacting meaningful change.
According to the reporting by Clean Elections, our “budding movement came up short this year”, as the House and Senate "money chairs" Donovan Dela Cruz (District 17, Oʻahu) and Kyle Yamashita (District 12, Maui), with the allowance of Senate President Kouchi (District 8, Kauaʻi) and House Speaker Saiki (District 25, Oʻahu), “killed” the Clean Elections Legislation at the last minute– in conference.
It has been deeply disappointing to see lawmakers I believed to be allies of democracy wavering when it mattered the most.
Some appeared to backtrack, presenting arguments about the feasibility and potential misuse of public funds. I believe their reasonings were veiled attempts to hold onto power.
While I did see small victories—an amendment here, a concession there—they fell short of the significant structural change we aimed for this session. It was as if the legislators were throwing crumbs to satisfy our hunger for meaningful reform.
Simply expressing anger will not bring about a transformation in our current circumstances. What will the collective action be? Unifying our strengths can bring change. Demonstrating our combined power in the forthcoming election is vital. These should be our next moves.
HAPA and Our Hawaiʻi’s next moves will be to enhance our organizing and build persuasive people power together, community by community. One way to continue our efforts for better democracies and clean elections is our next Kuleana Academy cohort.
As a graduate of Kuleana Academy, I see it as an essential program in Hawaiʻi that fosters a much-needed and urgent change within our social institutions.
Kuleana Academy, a leader accelerator, focuses on empowering frontline community leaders for issue-based, political, or electoral campaigns. HAPAʻs Kuleana Academy is a grassroots initiative that fosters community leadership and promotes democratic restoration. You can read more about our program here.
In June, our seventh cohort will be participating in diverse experiences, equipping them for the next legislative session, community organizing, building, and advocacy. Kuleana Academy firmly upholds the principles of community-accountable leadership.
While the past year has seen legislative challenges for Clean Elections, it's important to remember that the journey toward progress isn't always linear. Indeed, every setback is an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication, strengthen our resolve, and learn.
No action is too small, and no contribution is insignificant. Each step you take, every donation you make, large or small, brings us closer to the transformation we eagerly seek in Hawaiʻi. Remember, it's often the accumulation of small acts that catalyze the most significant change.
Together, we are capable of overcoming these hurdles, and with our combined efforts, we will build a brighter, more equitable future for Hawaiʻi. The path toward progress might be challenging, but it's a journey worth taking. Let's keep moving forward, inspired by the hope and the promise of a better tomorrow.
News Articles on the matter of Clean Elections:
If you haven't kept up with recent events, check out the articles detailing the activities of the Clean Elections and Our Hawaiʻi Coalition during the last legislative session.
So-called clean elections bill dies ‘in the shadows’ of the Legislature - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Bill to prevent corruption stalls due to lack of funding | KHON2
‘Where is our taxpayer money going?’ Legislative session ends with heated debate over State’s budget
It's Hard Not To Be Disappointed In What Was Supposed To Be A Big Year For Government Reform
What will it take to create a just and sustainable food system?Since its inception in 2014, the Hawaiian Agriculture and Policy Advocacy (HAPA) group has remained resolute in its commitment towards a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system in Hawaiʻi.
As a grass-roots organization, your donation, however big or small, will ensure that HAPA has the resources continue to keep you up-to-date on what is happing with our food-system in Hawaiʻi. We can’t do this without you.
About the Author
Nanea Lo, HAPA’s Administrative and Programs Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
