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Adrian Kamali‘i
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GROUP CALLS FOR HAWAIIANS TO VOTE IN NA‘I AUPUNI ELECTIONS
Nā Makalehua – a group of young Native Hawaiian candidates – calls for engaging Na‘i Aupuni Elections.
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – November 3, 2015 – Nā Makalehua and their supporters – a
group of young Native Hawaiian candidates – are calling for Native Hawaiians who have
registered for the Na‘i Aupuni elections to vote and engage the process. Elections
started on November 1 and end on November 30, 2015.
The group of 19 candidates on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, O‘ahu and the U.S. Continent and
their supporters all hold diverse opinions. However, the candidates and their supporters
have committed to themselves and their communities to work together through this
process.
“This is the first opportunity for our generation to participate in a convention empowered
by so many Native Hawaiians to move our community forward. Many have come before
us and they have built a solid foundation for us to stand on,” said Amy Kalili, a member
of Nā Makalehua and candidate for Hawai‘i Island.
“We are very aware of our kuleana (responsibility) to represent and honor those who
came before us, who taught, advised and raised us to respect our people and our
homeland,” said Jocelyn Doane, a candidate for O‘ahu and member of Nā Makalehua.
Among the Hawaiian values the group uses to determine common ground and to
evaluate the best solutions is ho‘opa‘apa‘a, a means to engage in meaningful, lively
discourse that encourages and requires diverse and many times, opposing views.
‘Olu Campbell, a candidate for Maui and Nā Makalehua member said, “this process
allows for passionate and articulate rhetoric and discussion, however, it does not
sacrifice diplomacy, relationships or respect for each other.”
Nā Makalehua member Anthony Makana Paris, seeking a delegate seat for O‘ahu,
ended by saying, “we understand we all have the same goal -- to leave a Hawai‘i that
will provide for Native Hawaiians generations from now.”
The group and their supporters will be holding a press conference today (Tuesday,
November 3, 2015) at the Lili‘uokalani Statue (Hawai‘i State Capitol Promenade) at
10:30 am. A statement will be issued at that time.
Nā Makalehua is comprised of the following candidates:
1. Catelin Aiwohi, U.S. Continent
2. Zuri Aki, O‘ahu
3. Nā‘ālehu Anthony, O‘ahu
4. ‘Olu Campbell, Maui
5. Jocelyn Doane, O‘ahu
6. Tyler Gomes, O‘ahu
7. Kaniela Ing, Maui
8. Matthew Ka‘aihue, O‘ahu
2. 9. Amy Kalili, Hawai‘i Island
10.Dreanalee Kalili, O‘ahu
11.Adrian Kamali‘i, O‘ahu
12.Keoni Kuoha, O‘ahu
13.Kūhiō Lewis, O‘ahu
14.Shane Palacat-Nelsen, Hawai‘i Island
15.Anthony Melvin Makana Paris, O‘ahu
16.Davis Price, O‘ahu
17.Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, O‘ahu
18.Rebecca Justine ‘Iolani Soon, O‘ahu
19.Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, O‘ahu
About Nā Makalehua | www.makalehua.com
Nā Makalehua is a collective of young Native Hawaiians, who have committed as a
collective to participate in the Na‘i Aupuni governance ‘aha. As a collective, Nā
Makalehua members have agreed to abide by the values and principles that will guide
how they engage in their work and approach: ‘auamo kuleana (fulfill responsibility),
ho‘āno pu‘uhonua (honor our safe zone), ho‘ōla ho‘opa‘apa‘a (perpetuate a Hawaiian
approach to discourse and debate), mālama pilina (nurture relationships), me ka ho‘okō
kapu aloha (abide by a code of deep respect). With the charge and blessing of mentors
and kūpuna, these leaders stand together, as a new generation of humble and prepared
warriors, to use this moment as an opportunity to ho‘oholomua (to move forward) their
lāhui and fulfill their kuleana. For more information about the organization and its
candidates, visit www.makalehua.com.
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Please route all press and media inquiries to Adrian Kamali‘i of The Island Agency.
