Kuleana Academy Weekend 4 and 5: Putting Practice to the Test
Weekend 4 started with of the most essential skills for public leadership: the ability to think on your feet and communicate with clarity and confidence.
Ian Ross (Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center) and Daniel Hugo (Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office) led an interactive Debate & Interview Workshop that pushed participants to refine their messaging, anticipate tough questions, and practice staying grounded under pressure. It was challenging, but the growth from morning to afternoon was unmistakable.
From there, we shifted into a deep conversation about criminal justice reform with Carrie Ann Shirota, J.D. and Kat Brady of Community Alliance on Prisons. Together, we unpacked the roots of systemic inequities in Hawaiʻi’s criminal legal system and explored how advocates and future policymakers can work to transform it. Participants were encouraged to think critically about the policies, narratives, and leadership needed to address these issues.
Because sustainable leadership isn’t just about strategy but also about taking care of ourselves and one another, we ended the day with Wisdom Circles Oceania, who guided us through practices of self-care, reflection, and collective resilience.
Saturday night brought one of the most anticipated events of the program: the Mock Candidate Forum at BoxJelly. Moderated by Breea Yamat (Miss Hawaiʻi USA 2024) and judged by a panel of movement leaders — including LeaDan Yee, Ikaika Hussey, Anne Frederick, Dave Nagaji, and Charles Jonsson — participants stepped into the spotlight to debate, answer questions, and present their visions as if they were real candidates.
Sunday’s sessions focused on leadership from the inside out. Mason Chock returned to lead the final segment of the Leadership Practices Inventory, helping participants assess their growth and explore how their values show up in leadership.
We then welcomed Ashley Obrey of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, who spoke about advocacy and legal pathways for protecting Native Hawaiian rights, and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, who shared her journey and reflections on how grassroots leaders can make an impact at every level of government.
On Weekend 5, we opened with a conversation on good governance with Representative Della Au Belatti and Representative Ikaika Hussey, who offered candid insights into what it means to govern with integrity, navigate the legislative process, and stay rooted in community values.
In a hands-on Ground Game workshop, Nadia Alves and Aria Juliet Castillo walked participants through the essentials of canvassing — from crafting messages that resonate to building teams and tracking data. Participants practiced their pitches and strategies, preparing to meet people where they are and inspire them to take action. Then, participants broke out into groups and “canvased” to 5 different types of neighbors, role played by HAPA staff,
That evening, we gathered at the Church of the Crossroads for a powerful panel discussion on immigration justice, moderated by Sergio Alcubilla. Leaders from Aloha Latinos, Roots Reborn, and We Are Oceania shared stories from the frontlines of supporting immigrant communities amid inhumane ICE enforcement. Their work — and their courage — reminded us that policy is deeply personal, and that the fight for justice is ongoing and interconnected.
Sunday’s sessions, led by Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, invited participants to imagine liberatory futures grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the lens of Loko Iʻa (traditional fishponds), we explored how ancestral practices can guide present-day governance, sustainability, and collective care.
We closed the weekend with thought-provoking talks from Matt Jachowski on data-driven advocacy and Jonathan Scheuer on decision-making and environmental stewardship, both critical perspectives for leaders who want to create systemic change.
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
