UHPA is pleased to announce that our UHPA board unanimously voted to endorse Jill Tokuda for Lieutenant Governor. UHPA represents nearly 4,000 faculty members from all 10 University of Hawai‘i campuses across the state.  We may not be a large group, but we have a unique opportunity to touch the lives of many Hawai‘i residents through our teaching, research and community service. We also get to learn firsthand what people are saying and what they want in government leaders.

UHPA’s board takes political endorsements very seriously. We have an established process to vet candidates. The board has a Political Endorsement Committee that surveys and interviews prospective candidates. It’s a rigorous process that began last August.

The committee took the time to meet with each of the candidates for lieutenant governor. Jill was clearly the most knowledgeable about government processes, and really understood the needs of faculty, including our need for affordable housing and safe facilities. Jill also showed that she understood the importance of support for the office of the Governor. Her extensive legislative involvement in education, finance and labor put her head and shoulders above the other candidates.

The committee made its recommendation to the full UHPA board for approval. And today, I’m pleased to announce UHPA board’s unanimous decision to endorse Jill Tokuda for Lieutenant Governor.