State Senate majority floor leader Jarrett Keohokalole, Honolulu City Council vice chair Esther Kiaaina, Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and the founders of a popular Pacific Islander Facebook group announced Friday they launched a new coalition to support presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz. 

What You Need To Know

  • Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders for Harris-Walz is composed of NHPI community leaders from Hawaii, the continental United States and the Pacific territories
  • Joining state Senate majority floor leader Jarrett Keohokalole, Honolulu City Council vice chair Esther Kiaaina and Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero as co-chairs are Robin Nomaaea and Willie Salavea, co-founders of the Pacific Islanders for Harris Facebook group, which boasts over 4,000 members
  • The coalition counts among its supporters former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee; U.S. House of Representatives Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Island; numerous legislators from Hawaii, CNMI, Guam and American Samoa; members of Honolulu City Council and Maui County Council; the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; lawmakers from California and Utah and others

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders for Harris-Walz is composed of NHPI community leaders from Hawaii, the continental United States and the Pacific territories.

“It is crucial to have a president who understands our issues and will build an administration dedicated to addressing the challenges that affect us,” Keohokalole said. “Vice President Harris has shown her commitment to our communities, and with Gov. Walz, they will lead with integrity and purpose.”

According to a release issued Friday, “NHPI for Harris-Walz 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.”

“Organizing our NHPI communities is vital to ensuring our voices are heard at every level of government,” Kiaaina said. “Vice President Harris and Governor Walz recognize the strength and resilience of our people, and they are committed to uplifting our communities through meaningful engagement and representation.”

Joining Keohokalole, Kiaaina and Guerrero as co-chairs are Robin Nomaaea and Willie Salavea, co-founders of the Pacific Islanders for Harris Facebook group, which boasts more than 4,000 members.

“We need an administration that believes in equity, fairness, and doing the right thing for the people over their own self-interests,” Nomaaea and Salavea said in a joint statement released Friday.

Guerrero noted the diversity of interests represented by the coalition.

“Understanding our Pacific Islander communities who span across the U.S. continent, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is so important,” he said. “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.”

The coalition counts among its supporters former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee; U.S. House of Representatives Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Island; numerous legislators from Hawaii, CNMI, Guam and American Samoa; members of Honolulu City Council and Maui County Council; the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; lawmakers from California and Utah and others.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.