HOKU PAC and the Future of Inclusive Politics in Hawaiʻi

HOKU PAC Launches to Elevate Māhū and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Hawaiʻi Politics

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key Takeaways

• HOKU PAC is a new nonpartisan political action committee focused on empowering māhū and LGBTQIA+ candidates—and allies—across Hawaiʻi.
• The PAC is grounded in four guiding principles: Haʻaheo (pride), ʻOhana (family), Kaulike (justice) and Ui (activate).
• Its strategy centers on grassroots organizing, voter education and strategic advocacy to expand democratic participation statewide.
• HOKU PAC will support inclusive candidates, champion civil-rights-focused policies and oppose measures seen as undermining equality.
• The long-term goal is a Hawaiʻi where all residents—especially māhū and LGBTQIA+ communities—can live and participate in civic life with dignity, safety and respect.

Table of Contents

• HOKU PAC’s Launch and Historic Timing
• Core Values: Haʻaheo, ʻOhana, Kaulike, Ui
• Why HOKU PAC Fills a Critical Gap in Hawaiʻi Politics
• How HOKU PAC Plans to Create Change
• How You Can Get Involved and Stay Informed
• FAQ: HOKU PAC and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Hawaiʻi

HOKU PAC’s Launch and Historic Timing

A new chapter for inclusive politics in Hawaiʻi has begun with the official launch of HOKU PAC, a nonpartisan political action committee designed to expand representation and advance civil rights for māhū and LGBTQIA+ communities. The PAC chose a meaningful launch date: the third anniversary of the federal Respect for Marriage Act, underscoring its commitment to protecting hard-won civil rights.

HOKU PAC’s president and founder, Michael Golojuch, Jr., framed the launch in the context of the recent 2025 elections, noting how voters across the country rejected what he described as “extremism and open cruelty” from the “current fascist federal administration” and opted instead for leaders who defend democracy, decency and the most vulnerable.

The message is clear: Hawaiʻi is being called to align with this broader, uplifting movement by electing leaders who reflect local values of fairness, inclusion and aloha for all—especially māhū and LGBTQIA+ ʻohana.

Core Values: Haʻaheo, ʻOhana, Kaulike, Ui

HOKU PAC is not just a fundraising vehicle; it is value-driven. According to the organization, its work is guided by four interconnected principles:

• Haʻaheo (Pride): Celebrating identity, resilience and the long history of gender diversity within Hawaiian culture.
• ʻOhana (Family): Centering families and chosen families, and ensuring that policies protect loved ones, caregivers and communities.
• Kaulike (Justice): Committing to equity, civil rights and fair treatment under the law for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background.
• Ui (Activate): Turning values into action through organizing, voter turnout and civic engagement.

By explicitly naming these principles, the PAC signals to voters and potential candidates that it seeks leaders who embody both aloha and accountability.

Why HOKU PAC Fills a Critical Gap in Hawaiʻi Politics

Treasurer Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego highlights a central motivation for HOKU PAC: underrepresentation. For generations, the voices and lived experiences of māhū and LGBTQIA+ people have rarely been centered in decision-making spaces, even in a place with deep cultural recognition of gender diversity like Hawaiʻi.

By describing HOKU PAC as a “political home,” the organizers are acknowledging that many voters and potential candidates have not seen their identities, families or priorities reflected in existing political structures. The PAC aims to change that by building a space where:

• Community values directly guide political action.
• Families—of all configurations—are protected in law and policy.
• Equality is treated as non-negotiable, not optional.

How HOKU PAC Plans to Create Change

HOKU PAC is structured as a standard noncandidate committee, which allows it to focus on supporting a broad slate of leaders and issues rather than a single campaign. Its work centers on three main areas:

• Supporting Candidates: Backing māhū, LGBTQIA+ and allied candidates running for local and state offices through financial support, visibility and community networks.
• Advocating for Policies: Championing state laws and potential constitutional measures that expand equality, civil rights and safety—particularly for marginalized communities.
• Opposing Harmful Proposals: Actively resisting bills and initiatives that could undermine the rights or dignity of māhū and LGBTQIA+ residents.

Their broader mission is rooted in grassroots organizing, voter education and strategic advocacy. This includes helping more residents register to vote, understand complex ballot questions and feel confident engaging in the political process.

Ultimately, HOKU PAC leaders envision a Hawaiʻi where every resident can participate fully in civic life and live with dignity, respect and safety—no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation or background.

How You Can Get Involved and Stay Informed

If you care about inclusive representation in Hawaiʻi, there are several ways to plug in:

• Learn more about māhū and LGBTQIA+ history in Hawaiʻi to better understand why representation matters.
• Follow local elections closely and research whether candidates align with the values of Haʻaheo, ʻOhana, Kaulike and Ui.
• Join or support grassroots efforts that focus on voter registration, civic education and community safety.
• Engage your own networks—family, friends, coworkers—by sharing reliable information about civil-rights issues and upcoming elections.

For readers interested in deeper civic engagement, consider creating a personal action checklist: identify one local meeting to attend, one candidate to research and one policy issue to learn more about in the next month. Small, consistent actions build long-term change.

FAQ: HOKU PAC and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Hawaiʻi

What offices will HOKU PAC focus on?

HOKU PAC plans to support candidates running for county and state offices across Hawaiʻi, where decisions directly impact education, housing, safety, health care and civil rights.

Is HOKU PAC tied to a political party?

No. The PAC is explicitly described as nonpartisan, meaning it is guided by values and civil rights priorities rather than party labels.

Why emphasize māhū in particular?

Māhū have a long and respected place in Native Hawaiian culture, yet modern political structures have often sidelined their voices. Centering māhū representation acknowledges both historical roots and current inequities.

How does this connect to national trends?

The PAC’s launch after the 2025 elections and on the anniversary of the Respect for Marriage Act places Hawaiʻi within a broader national movement to resist authoritarianism and protect civil rights, especially for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Source: https://mauinow.com/2025/12/26/hoku-pac-launches-to-support-mahu-and-lgbtqia-representation-in-hawai%CA%BBi-politics/