PRESS ADVISORY

News Release from Ka Lahui Hawai‘i Political Action Committee July 1, 2018

Ka Lahui Hawai‘i Political Action Committee (KPAC) announces the publication of its 3rd KOHO PONO Legislative Report Card in the July 2018 issue of the Ka Wai Ola (OHA’s monthly newsletter). The Report Card is also available for download on the KPAC website. KOHO PONO means to Elect or Choose Wisely by making an informed decision when voting for an elected official to represent your voice. It’s important that Kanaka Maoli voters know how elected officials voted in 2018​ ​on key issues that impact our community.

The 2018 KOHO PONO Legislative Report Card focuses on important bills from this past State Legislative Session and its overall impact to the Hawaiian community. KPAC monitored and provided testimony on a number of legislative measures dealing with ceded lands, Hawaiian education and language, Mauna Kea and Hawai`i’s precious environment. In addition, we ran several social media education campaigns on specific bills in order to heighten informed awareness and garner greater civic participation to directly address its cultural, social, political and economic impacts.

The Report Card spotlights several bills that attempt to address public lands from the ceded lands trust, aka “stolen Hawaiian lands” by providing a voting record matrix on how each legislator voted from both the Senate and House. The community will be able to use the Report Card as a voting tool when deciding upon who they should vote for in the coming 2018 Election.
KPAC member and long time Mauna Kea Kia`i (protector) Kealoha Pisciotta, when asked to share her thoughts about participating in the State’s legislative process, states, “We kanaka need to engage in the political process to help create a better, just, Pono, healthy and beautiful world.” She goes on to say, “Don’t be afraid of how things look, just get involved and help to make the change. Have hope in Aloha and be willing to move Aloha at every opportunity.”

The Report Card also highlights responses to questions by the 2018 Hawai`i Gubernatorial candidates to provide clarity on their individual positions on Hawaiian issues. KPAC does not endorse any political candidates. Our mission is to inform our community on impactful legislative matters.

A copy of the Koho Pono report card can be downloaded from the Kaluhi Political Action Committee website at https://kalahuihawaiipoliticalactioncommittee.org/.