With the Hawaiʻi primary election fast approaching, Kamehameha Schools is partnering with community organizations to boost voter turnout among Native Hawaiians and youth with a dynamic, refreshed campaign.
Our Kaiāulu Votes is an inclusive, Native Hawaiian-led movement empowering ʻōiwi, ʻōpio and kamaʻāina to participate in the civic process through engaging events and partnerships. Voting is a right and a kuleana deeply rooted in Hawaiian history. This campaign aims to reignite that spirit of civic duty.
“It’s important for ʻōpio to become civically engaged and vote because you’re taking a stand on what you want to see for your ʻāina, kaiāulu and lāhui,” said Kapulani Antonio, the poʻo kumu kākoʻo at Kamehameha Schools Maui.
“It’s your kuleana as future ʻōiwi leaders to get involved in issues relating to the community and world in which you wish to live.”
Native Hawaiians reported voting at about the same rate as non-Hawaiians in the 2022 elections, according to the 2023 ʻImi Pono Hawaiʻi Wellbeing Survey. However, a significant portion of Native Hawaiians were disengaged, citing a lack of interest or belief in the impact of their vote.
To counter this, Our Kaiāulu Votes is organizing sign-waving events and ballot drop-offs across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina for people to take part in this pivotal moment. These events are held in collaboration with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hui ʻOihana Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Ka Leo o Nā ʻŌpio, Kanaeokana, Kanu Hawaiʻi, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo, Papa Ola Lōkahi and Waiwai Collective.
With a focus on rallying ʻōpio first-time voters, Our Kaiāulu Votes also partners with kula across Hawaiʻi pae ʻāina including Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kanu o ka ʻĀina Public Charter School, Ka ʻŪmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, UH Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges and Windward Community College.
The collective effort of these organizations underscores the importance of every vote and the power of community involvement in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future. By engaging and educating the community, Our Kaiāulu Votes aims to create a lasting impact on voter participation and civic engagement in the islands. Stay tuned for more information and events!
Walk to the Box: August 9, 2024
Honolulu, Oʻahu
ʻIolani Palace and Honolulu Hale
11 a.m. – Sign waving along King Street (near ʻIolani Palace)
11:30 a.m. – Walk to Honolulu Hale to drop off ballots
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Wailoa River State Park and Hawaiʻi County Building
11:15 a.m. – Sign waving at Wailoa River State Park (along Kamehameha Avenue)
12:15 p.m. – Walk to County Building on Pauahi Street to drop off ballots
Wailuku, Maui
Wailuku Community Center and Queen Kaʻahumanu Center
12:15 pm – Ballot drop off at Wailuku Community Center
1:15 pm – Sign waving at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (NE corner near intersection w/ Kane street)
Our Kaiāulu Votes and Walk to the Box are strictly nonpartisan and noncandidate events. We require that all participants maintain this intention by not showing support for or against any political candidate or party, or any other cause or issue. As such, please refrain from displaying clothing, buttons, or signs associated with political parties or candidates. Our Kaiāulu Votes will have signs for your use at all the Walk to the Box events.
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