Meet the 2016 Kuleana Academy Graduates!

A New Class of Leadership for Hawaiʻi.

HAPA proudly graduated 21 emerging leaders from the 2016 Kuleana Academy this week! The Kuleana Academy is our intensive 4-month non-partisan leadership development program, designed to educate and train potential leaders who have a desire to serve in public office.

A diverse group from across the islands . . . and a diverse education.

Kuleana Academy was sponsored by HAPA and our Alliance Education Partners, a group of leading Hawai`i non-profit organizations. Academy participants came from Hawai`i, Maui, Moloka`i, O`ahu and Kaua`i islands, and spent January through March immersed in intensive leadership development and candidate skills training.

Participants received training in campaign fundamentals such as canvassing, campaign fundraising, and campaign finance reporting. Academy participants also undertook training in speech and debate, media interviews, and social media.

In addition, Academy participants had the opportunity to hear from a diverse cross-section of elected officials on their experiences in running for, and serving in, public office (including former Governor John Waihe`e and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz).

Former Governor John Waihe`e speaks to Kuleana Academy participants. They also heard from U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, State Representatives Chris Lee and Andrea Tupola, as well as State Senate Vice President Will Espero, and former Hawai`i County Council Member Keiko Bonk.

Kuleana Academy Alliance Partners presented educational sessions on a variety of issues including labor rights, environmental protections, homelessness, economic justice, and Hawaiian cultural and political context.