A collaboration of community organizations recently united to promote the importance of Native Hawaiian civic engagement and turnout at the polls this year.

Mahina Paishon-Duarte of the Kanaeokana Network said, “We show our community, the 2022 candidates and our elected officials that Native Hawaiians are engaged, we are watching, and that we want our policymakers to listen to our needs, concerns and ideas that are good for the whole of Hawaii.”

“As Kanaka ‘Oiwi, our culture, knowledge and storied places exist in the future,” noted Elena Farden, executive director of the Native Hawaiian Education Council.

“We forge ahead — not to plan, but to design our future into existence now by activating our power to choose and to vote.”

Participating organizations also included Kamehameha Schools, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement, Papa Ola Lokahi and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

Everyone should vote! Ballots for the Primary Election must be submitted by 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.

If you’re running late and mailing your ballot is no longer an option, Maui’s Voter Service Center is open Monday through Friday this week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center at 395 Waena St. in Wailuku.

Our leaders will play an important role in shaping Maui’s future.

“It’s critical that everyone exercise their right to vote,” said Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Jack Wong.

“You have an opportunity to chart a brighter future for our keiki and our ‘aina by voting for those who share your values and views, and who will act in alignment with those values and views.”