Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander leaders announce support for Harris, Walz

HONOLULU, Hawaii—A new coalition, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders for Harris-Walz, has been formed to support the election of Vice President Kamala Harris and Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz. Comprised of prominent and respected NHPI community leaders from Hawaii, the continental United States, and the Pacific Territories, this group is dedicated to championing the Harris-Walz vision for a more inclusive and equitable America.

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Honolulu City Council Vice-Chair and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior under President Obama 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. They bring extensive experience and dedication to advancing NHPI communities to this pivotal role.

Leon Guerrero of Guam noted, “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. 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.”

State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole remarked, “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 Governor Walz, they will lead with integrity and purpose.”

Kiaʻāina stated, “Organizing our NHPI communities is vital to ensuring our voices are heard at every level of government. 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.”

Nomaʻaea and Salaveʻa added, “We need an administration that believes in equity, fairness, and doing the right thing for the people over their own self-interests. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz embody these values, and their leadership will pave the way for a brighter and more just future for all.”

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. Prominent Endorsements

We are honored to have the support of many well-respected NHPI leaders who have publicly endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket, including:

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Guam

Former Hawaii Governor John Waiheʻe

U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Commonwealth of Northern

Mariana Island (CNMI)

Former U.S. Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele, Hawaiʻi

Vice President Michelle Kidani, Hawaiʻi State Senate

Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha, Hawaiʻi State Senate

Majority Whip Jarrett Keohokalole, Hawaiʻi State Senate

State Representative Daniel Holt, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

State Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

State Representative Jeannè Kapela, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

State Representative Darius Kila, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

State Representative Mahina Poepoe, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

Former State representative Stacelynn Eli, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives

Former State representative Heather Giugni, Hawai’i State House of Representative

Former State representative Hermina Morita, Hawai’i State House of Representative

Vice Speaker Senator Tina Muña Barnes, Guam Legislature

Former speaker Judi Won Pat, Guam Legislature

Senator Celina R. Babauta, CNMI

Representative Edwin K. Propst, CNMI

Representative Manny Castro, CNMI

Representative Vincent Diego F. Camacho, CNMI

Representative Vicente C. Castro, CNMI

Representative Denita Kaipat Yangetmai, CNMI

Representative Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr, American Samoa House of Representatives

FormerrRepresentative Andra Samoa, American Samoa House of Representatives

Chair Tommy Waters, Honolulu City Council

Vice-Chair Esther Kiaʻāina, Honolulu City Council

Former chair Ikaika Anderson, Honolulu City Council

Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Maui County Council

Councilmember Shane Sinenci, Maui County Council

Councilmember Sue Lee Loy, Hawaiʻi County Council

Commissioner and Trustee Manufou Anoaʻi, San Mateo County and JESD School Board (California) Councilmember Jacob Fitisemanu, West Valley City Council (Utah)

Chair Hulu Lindsey, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Trustee Dan Ahuna, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Trustee Kaleihikina Akaka, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Trustee Brickwood Galuteria, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Trustee Keoni Souza, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Former Trustee Peter Apo, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Former Trustee Brendon Kaleiʻāina Lee, Office of Hawaiian Affairs

Lawrence Jay M. Alcairo, Democratic Party of Guam

Robert J.L Barcinas, Young Democrats of Guam

Taling M Taitano, Democratic Party of Guam

Peter John Cruz, Democratic Party of Guam Central Executive Committee

Chair Jonathan P. Cabrera, CNMI Democratic Party

Vice Chair Luella I. Marciano, CNMI Democratic Party

Leila F. Staffler, CNMI Democratic Party

Angelo Villagomez, CNMI Democratic Party

Shawna E. Indalecio, CNMI Democratic Party

Joan Flores-Reyes, CNMI Democratic Party

Michael A. White, CNMI Democratic Party

Christina E. Sablan, CNMI Democratic Party

Nola Hix, executive director of the CNMI Democratic Party

Stephen Woodruff, deputy director of the CNMI Democratic Party

Patrick Reid, Democratic Party of American Samoa

Nathanial Savali, Democratic Party of American Samoa

Sefa Aina, Former vice chair, President Obama’s Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Nāʻalehu Anthony, Hawaiian community leader

Dreana Kalili, Hawaiian community leader

Manumalo Alaʻilima, founder of Pasifika Impact

Robin Nama’aea, CEO and managing partner of SKY

Willie Salaveʻa, owner and Designer of Style Pasifika

Roy L. Gamboa, president, .dGot Your Six Seven One

About NHPI for Harris-Walz

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders for Harris-Walz is a coalition of community leaders and advocates committed to supporting the election of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Our mission is to amplify the voices of NHPI communities and ensure their needs are addressed at the highest levels of government.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NHPIForHarris. (PR)