West Hawai‘i GOP elects new leadership

The West Hawai‘i Republican Party recently ushered in a renewed focus on community engagement and candidate support, electing a new leadership team committed to continuing the party’s active presence in the West Hawai‘i community, strengthening local connections and building a stronger, more connected and resilient GOP.

Here is a look at the local party’s new leadership team.

CHAIRPERSON: Monique Perreira

• PERREIRA is a U.S. Navy veteran, wife, mother and small business owner. “I’ve always believed in service — to my country, my community and now to this party and the people of West Hawai‘i,” she said. Perreira ran in 2022 and 2024 for state House District 8 after seeing a disconnect between elected officials and the voices of the people.

VICE CHAIRPERSON: Jeffrey Kalani Coakley

• COAKLEY is a Vietnam War veteran, community organizer, professional moderator and swim coach who believes “when you are in service to your fellow beings, you are in service to your God.” He is married to Lani Eugenio of Pa‘auilo, and they have 4 sons and 3 grandchildren.

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRPERSON: Sylvie Madison

• MADISON is a small business owner, wife and former candidate for state House District 6. “I look forward to increasing community engagement, educating the public about the legislative process and spotlighting local policies that impact our daily lives,” she said. Madison has a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice and previously worked as a public relations manager and at the Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center.

SECRETARY: Monique DePonte

• DEPONTE is a Waimea-based business owner and experienced campaign strategist. She believes in “Huli ka lima i lalo,” a Hawaiian proverb that emphasizes the importance of being productive and actively engaged in your community, rather than waiting for others or for things to happen without effort. Monique has served on a Hawai‘i gubernatorial campaign, managed a state House race and was vice chairperson of communications for the Hawai‘i State Republican Party.

“Our priority is to engage with the community, continue the momentum and ensure that conservative and independent-minded voters have a seat at the table,” said new West Hawai‘i GOP Chairperson Perreira.

The West Hawai‘i Republican Party welcomes open dialogue with residents, businesses and local media.

Visit the local GOP’s website or follow the party on X and Facebook for more information as well as learn more about upcoming events.

There are also multiple ways you can get involved:

• Inquire about volunteering: westhawaiigop@gmail.com.
• Register to vote: https://olvr.hawaii.gov/register.aspx.
• Visit the West Hawai‘i Republican Party website: https://westhawaiigop.org/.
• Track legislation: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.