Thirty-two candidates are running for seven positions as Hawaii Island delegates to a Native Hawaiian constitutional convention, or aha, set for early next year.
In all, more than 200 candidates qualified for a total of 40 delegate positions, the organization in charge of the election and convention announced Wednesday.
Native Hawaiians who registered to vote by Oct. 15 will be allowed to vote for delegates. More than 95,000 voters have registered to date.
The delegates will spend eight weeks in Honolulu beginning in February, deciding what type of nation or government, if any, will be created or reorganized. Half of the delegates, 20, will come from Oahu, seven from Hawaii Island, seven representing out-of-state Hawaiians, three from Maui, two representing Kauai and Niihau and one representing Molokai and Lanai.
Na‘i Aupuni, the independent organization created to oversee the process, hired Election-America to conduct the election.
“The nomination of delegate candidates is a milestone in the upcoming historic election for Hawaiians to determine if a reorganized Hawaiian government will be formed,” said Na‘i Aupuni President Kuhio Asam in a statement. “The candidates are diverse in their age, backgrounds and purpose. They are representative of a good cross-section of the Native Hawaiian community.”
The election has been challenged in U.S. District Court in Honolulu by a group of Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians who contend a race-based election is contrary to the federal Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. The case was filed by the Washington, D.C.-based public interest law firm Judicial Watch, working with the Honolulu-based Grassroot Institute.
U.S. District Judge Michael J. Seabright scheduled an Oct. 20 hearing for a motion for preliminary injunction, which asks the election be halted until the case in chief can be decided.
The Hawaii Island candidates, in alphabetical order are:
• Solomon Aikau, retired lifeguard.
• Moanikeala Akaka, trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1984-96.
• Alvin Akina Jr., 40 years in hospitality industry, heavy equipment operator in Hawaii National Guard.
• Chad Awai, 20-plus years in the tourism industry.
• Clarence Ching, attorney and trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1986-90.
• Keoni Choy, fishpond manager, golf course maintenance supervisor, mechanic shop owner.
• Kalikookalani Chun, committee clerk, legislative aide for Hawaii Legislature since 2001.
• Desiree Cruz, talent agency owner, former public relations specialist for Mayor Billy Kenoi, Big Island Visitors Bureau.
• Kaipo Dye, Pacific Island Climate Change Cooperative, and University of Hawaii at Manoa Soil Ecology and Biogeochemist.
• Norine Fitzgerald, single mother home-schooling special needs child, former assistant in law office.
• Faye Hanohano-Kaawaloa, state House of Representatives, 2006-14, Kulani Correctional Facility officer, 1982-2006.
• Lunakanawai Hauanio, Department of Public Safety sheriff, Hawaiian Law Foundation, Hoona Ohana.
• Thomas Hickcox, no information provided.
• Herbert Ishibashi Sr., business consultant, land manager and entrepreneur.
• Craig Kahui, executive director Laiopua 2020, 2001-08, former bailiff, commercial fisherman.
• Amy Kalili, business manager, editor, operations manager, media program coordinator.
• Clifford Kapono, former vice president Motorola, currently independent consultant.
• Manuel Kiaha, hospitality industry auditor.
• Lei Kihoi, attorney, ho‘oponopono practitioner, mediator, UH instructor.
• Harlan Lee, no information provided.
• Ralph Lee Jr., no information provided.
• Scott Mahoney, unexploded ordnance specialist, stevedore, firefighter.
• Joshua Mangauil, founder/director, E Ola Mau I Ka Pono Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua, Hawaiian studies teacher.
• Judy Moa, insurance adjuster.
• Shane Palacat-Nelsen, no information provided.
• Kahiolani Papalimu, no detailed information provided.
• Shawn Rivera, construction, mason, carpenter.
• Michael Stevens, no information provided.
• Diana Suganuma, Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, medical outreach and support assistant.
• Michalann Rae Trainer, self-employed, Momilani Farm/Momilani Productions, Momilani Development LLC.
• Kanoe Wilson, Kamehameha Schools, UH, Bishop Museum.
• Karyle Yamane, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, UH-Hilo, Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The full list of candidates, statements, their 10 required supporters, photos and more biographical information is available at https://vote.election-america.com/naiaupuni/bios.htm.
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.
