Kuleana Academy Weekend 1: Foundations for Political Campaigns

This past weekend, Kuleana Academy launched its first training of the year, bringing together an inspiring cohort of emerging leaders dedicated to creating a more just, sustainable, and resilient Hawaiʻi. Over two days, participants learned core campaign skills, deepened their sense of kuleana, and connected with changemakers from across our islands.

The program began Saturday morning at Hawaiʻi Coworking in Honolulu, with participants gathering to build community and get to know their cohort. After breakfast, former State Representative Natalia Hussey-Burdick led a workshop on Building Your Campaign 101, walking participants through the fundamentals of running a values-based campaign grounded in community connection and people power.

In the afternoon, we shifted to environmental justice, hearing from Marti Townsend of EarthJustice and Wayne Tanaka of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. They offered a powerful look at the ongoing challenges and opportunities in protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources, and how leaders can build movements rooted in environmental justice

Following an afternoon of skill building and inspiration, the cohort transitioned to a Saturday evening networking reception at Tchin Tchin! in Chinatown. Participants took professional headshots and recorded video interviews to help launch their public leadership journeys. We were honored to hear from speakers including State Representative Ikaika Hussey, former State Senator and Kauaʻi Councilmember Gary Hooser, and Maui County Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, who encouraged participants to lead boldly and unapologetically.

The weekend continued Sunday morning with a Leadership Practice Inventory session guided by former Kauaʻi County Councilmember Mason Chock. Participants took a deep dive into their personal leadership strengths and areas for growth, discussing how to build trust and accountability in public service.

Later in the day, a panel of Maui County Councilmembers and KA Alumni, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Gabe Johnson, and Shane Sinenci offered hard-earned lessons about navigating policy-making while staying grounded in community values. Their reflections showed participants what is possible when local government prioritizes people, not corporations or special interests.

To close out the weekend, Dr. Jon Osorio of the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge led a powerful session on Understanding Your Political Kuleana, reminding participants that true leadership means honoring the responsibility to protect our communities, culture, and environment for generations to come.

Learn about Cohort 8’s Participants here.

ABOUT KULEANA ACADEMY

Kuleana Academy identifies 20-25 rising leaders per cohort throughout the archipelago and provides them with in-depth political leadership training. Participants run for elected office, manage political campaigns, and deepen their community organizing and engagement. By attending Kuleana Academy, individuals are given the opportunity to do the following: 

  • Examine their own political and civic kuleana

  • Develop skills in leadership, community organizing, communications, and advocacy

  • Attend campaign skills training sessions conducted by professional trainers

  • Develop an understanding of how to effectively engage around a range of important community issues through policy education sessions led by our Alliance Education Partners

Kuleana Academy has graduated over 120 participants and has alumni currently serving in the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, on the Kaua‘i County Council, Maui County Council, Hawaii Island County Council, and Honolulu City and County Council, and on various O‘ahu Neighborhood Boards. For more information, please visit hapahi.org/kuleana-academy-program

HAPA’s Kuleana Academy is a non-partisan educational program. HAPA will not…

  • Endorse any political candidates for public office.

  • Make any campaign contributions (monetary or in-kind).

  • Ask candidates to sign pledges on any issues.

Friends of HAPA at the opening reception for Kuleana Academy's Cohort 8, PC: Nick Armero


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