By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Honolulu, HI — Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have formed a coalition to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic Party's presidential ticket.
The coalition called "Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders for Harris-Walz" comprises community leaders from Hawaiʻi, the continental United States, and the Pacific territories.
"Our mission is to amplify the voices of NHPI communities and ensure their needs are addressed at the highest levels of government," the coalition said in a press release.
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Hawaii Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Honolulu City Council Vice-Chair and former Interior official Esther Kiaʻāina, and Robin Nomaʻaea and Willie Salave’a, co-founders of the Pacific Islanders for Harris Facebook group with over 4,000 members, will serve as the co-chairs of NHPI for Harris-Walz.
“Understanding our Pacific Islander communities, which span across the U.S. continent, Hawai’i, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is so important. I am confident that a Harris/Walz Administration will not only work with our diverse communities but help to strengthen our ties with the federal government," Leon Guerrero said.
"It is crucial to have a president who understands our issues and will build an administration dedicated to addressing the challenges that affect us. Vice President Harris has shown her commitment to our communities, and with Gov. Walz, they will lead with integrity and purpose," Keohokalole said.
Kiaʻāina said organizing the NHPI communities "is vital to ensuring our voices are heard at every level of government. Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz recognize the strength and resilience of our people, and they are committed to uplifting our communities through meaningful engagement and representation."
Nomaʻaea and Salaveʻa said the U.S. needs an administration "that believes in equity, fairness, and doing the right thing for the people over their own self-interests. Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz embody these values, and their leadership will pave the way for a brighter and more just future for all."
NHPI for Harris-Walz said it will engage in various outreach and advocacy efforts to mobilize NHPI voters and ensure their concerns are represented in the upcoming election. The coalition plans to host community events, forums, and informational sessions to educate and inspire NHPI communities to participate in the democratic process.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition
Comments