Reps. Gabbard and Turner Tour Hawai‘i
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and The Honorable Nina Turner, president of Our Revolution, traveled around the state of Hawaiʻi this past weekend to promote citizen engagement, grassroots organizing, and efforts to reform and strengthen democracy and the Democratic Party. They responded to questions from the audience and encouraged residents in each county to stay involved in local issues, testify and share their stories, volunteer or run for elected office, and become agents of change for equality and justice for all. The four events on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Kauaʻi were sponsored by the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.
Nina Turner spoke about her work to reform the Democratic National Committee as a member of the Unity Reform Commission, including getting rid of superdelegates, incentivizing open primaries and same-day registration for more accessible elections, and financial transparency. They also discussed Medicare for All, water rights, protecting the environment, criminal justice reform, and many other issues that affect the people of Hawaiʻi and this country.
On visiting Hawaiʻi for the first time, Nina Turner said, “It was a spiritual experience for me to be in Hawaiʻi this weekend, welcomed with the aloha spirit on each island, and meeting with so many people who are eager for reform and passionate about being agents of change for all people and our planet. I listened to people from all walks of life share their stories and tell me how they believe it is their kuleana to do what’s pono, and that’s why they are working to be a part of this revolution, unifying around issues, and organizing to build a transformative grassroots movement to advance the public interest and revitalize our democracy.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has long called for reform to the DNC, said, “People want leaders who are focused on their interests and wellbeing and protecting our planet. We must reform this rigged system that serves corporate special interests and the most powerful into a system that empowers and serves the people and is fair and just for all. I’m grateful to Senator Nina Turner for visiting our wonderful home state and for the work she is doing as an agent of change to unrig this system. By bringing people together in the spirit of aloha, treating others with respect and love, we can bring about real reforms and positive change for the betterment of the people and our planet.”
Background
Nina Turner is a former State Senator from Ohio, president of Our Revolution, member of the DNC Unity Reform Commission, and, along with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, is a Founding Fellow of the Sanders Institute. A champion for progressive causes such as labor, women’s reproductive health, voting rights, and the eradication of wealth and income inequality, Turner forms deep connections with people from all walks of life.