After conducting extensive interviews with candidates running for the House seats in the upcoming election, UHPA’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC) has made the following endorsements for the 2024 elections:
- Jeanne Kapela, House District 5
- Kirstin Kahaloa, House District 6
- Kyle Yamashita, House District 12
- Adrian Tam, House District 24
- Jenna Takenouchi, House District 27
- Darius Kila, House District 44
- Mike Lee, House District 50
UHPA earlier endorsed the following incumbents in January 2024:
- Scott Saiki, House District 25
- Andrew Garrett, House District 22
- Della Au Belatti, House District 26
- Amy Perruso, House District 46
- Lisa Kitagawa, House District 48
- Scot Matayoshi, House District 49
Why you should support these candidates
UHPA has a strong and consistent presence in the State Capitol in the pursuit of issues important to the University of Hawai‘i, our faculty, and the defense of the UHPA-BOR Collective Bargaining Agreement. The endorsed candidates have demonstrated their support for the UH and understand the issues that are important to faculty or have demonstrated a deep appreciation for public higher education and the role of the UH in our state. We are confident their values are aligned with those of the UH and faculty. The Legislative Action Committee (LAC) felt that the support and dedication for the University by these incumbent legislators and legislative candidates will enhance UHPA’s ability to successfully advocate for its Faculty members throughout the year. Your support of these endorsed candidates will strengthen UHPA’s position in all legislative matters.
2024 Primary Election
You can expect to receive your ballots in the mail around July 23. Please be sure to mail your ballot back early, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. All ballots must be received by the County Elections Division by 7:00 pm on August 10.
Our endorsement process
The LAC met at the close of the Legislative Session to begin preparing for the first round of legislative endorsements. They began by developing a questionnaire that would be sent to all candidates requesting UHPA’s endorsement.
An email subsequently went out to select candidates who requested an endorsement with the questionnaire attached. A followup email was sent to establish interview dates and times to be held during the week of May 27. The candidates had approximately one week to review the questionnaire prior to their interview.
The LAC deliberated on the responses of all candidates interviewed. The LAC took every aspect of the interview into consideration prior to their decision. It is important to note that UHPA has not always participated in every campaign in every House or Senate District throughout the years. Following the Primary Election, the LAC may consider additional candidates to interview for endorsement.