Office of Hawaiian Affairs expands civic engagement efforts for 2026 elections

Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees approved up to $250,000 to be used during the 2026 election cycle in support of a statewide, primetime televised debate for candidates seeking election to Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District and up to three live-broadcast candidate forums for Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees races.

The action reflects the agency’s commitment to strengthening civic engagement among Native Hawaiians and ensuring beneficiaries have access to the information, context and resources necessary to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

The congressional debate will be presented in partnership with Hawaiʻi News Now and is scheduled for primetime prior to Hawaiʻi’s Aug. 8 primary election.

Invitations were extended to leading candidates in the race, including U.S. Rep. Ed Case and state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs — to accommodate the congressional calendar and candidate availability — proposed the following dates for the live debate: July 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31 and Aug. 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.

The debate will provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about issues affecting Hawaiʻi and Native Hawaiians, including cost of living, housing, economic opportunity, federal funding, military-leased lands, government accountability, federal and state consultation and stewardship of trust and public lands.

Statewide broadcasts will be carried across television, digital, streaming and on-demand platforms to maximize access for beneficiaries and the broader public.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs also will host up to three live-broadcast candidate forums for its board of trustees races for candidates representing Oʻahu, Maui and three at-large seats ahead of the 2026 general election.

These forums will provide beneficiaries and voters with opportunities to learn more about candidates seeking to govern the agency responsible for advancing the well-being of Native Hawaiians.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chairperson Kaialiʻi “Kai” Kahele said the initiative is rooted in the agency’s responsibility to encourage informed civic participation and strengthen democratic engagement among Native Hawaiians.

“Over the next 4 years, Hawaiʻi will confront issues that will have generational impacts on our people and our communities. Our responsibility is not to tell people how to vote. Our responsibility is to ensure they have the information, the context, the options and a clear understanding of the consequences of the decisions before them,” said Kahele in a press release. “An informed electorate is essential to a healthy democracy.”

He emphasized that the role of Office of Hawaiian Affairs is to create opportunities for meaningful public dialogue and broaden access to election information for beneficiaries throughout the state.

“From my beginnings as a kolohe kid in Hilo, to serving as a state senator, U.S. congressman and now as chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, I have never forgotten where I came from.” Kahele said. “The people who raised me, the communities that shaped me and the families who often feel disconnected from government are exactly the people we need to engage.”

He added that Native Hawaiians must vote to get a future that reflects their values and aspirations, and
Office of Hawaiian Affairs must do its part to create the conditions that invite their full and meaningful participation.

The debates and forums are part of the agency’s broader effort to empower Native Hawaiian civic participation through information, engagement and action.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs sent questionnaires to the 19 candidates running for five trustee seats and will share their answers in the August issue of its publication “Ka Wai Ola.”