Our list reflects candidates committed to building a better future for our keiki
Posted: September 23, 2026
Updated: September 30, 2026
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association recommends candidates who are strong supporters of public education, educators, and labor, and are committed to creating a better future for our keiki.
Voting these candidates into office ensures we have allies who will champion public education, working families, and our freedom to teach and learn. Protect the rights of our students, our fellow educators, and our families by casting your vote in this year’s primary and general elections.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Get ready to vote!
The general election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Hawaiʻi, elections are conducted by mail. All registered voters automatically receive their ballot in the mail approximately 18 days prior to the election. Return your voted ballot by mail (be mindful of USPS delivery times) or in person at a ballot drop box within your county. Voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Limited voting service centers will be open 10 days prior to and on Election Day for same-day registration and in-person voting.
Learn more from the Office of Elections:
If you’re not registered to vote, sign up now! It’ll take two minutes. If you’re not sure or it’s been a while, make sure your registration is up to date with your current name and mailing address. You’ll need your Hawaiʻi driver’s license or Hawaiʻi state ID and your Social Security number.
2026 General Election key dates
- Oct. 16: Look for your General Election ballot packet to be delivered in the mail.
- Oct. 20: Voter Service Centers are open through Election Day for voter registration and accessible in-person voting. Locations and hours will be announced closer to the election.
- Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m.: Final day for first-time voters to submit a paper Voter Registration Application for the General Election.
- Nov. 3: General Election. Voted ballots must be received by 7 p.m.
Use interactive maps to find your:
Watch: HSTA’s recommendation process explained
HSTA Recommended Candidates
Charter Amendment Question 1
For voters on Oʻahu, the HSTA Board of Directors recommends a Yes vote for Charter Amendment Question 1. Question 1 would create a Food Security Fund from already collected real property tax revenues to improve access to locally grown or produced food, strengthen the food supply and improve food security, and use some of the funds to purchase food during emergencies. Blank ballots count as a no vote so every yes vote is important in order to have the amendment pass.
Governor
My top priority is making Hawaii more affordable for every family.
In my first term in office, we delivered the biggest tax cut for the middle class in Hawaii state history, we doubled the earned income tax credit and the food tax credit, and increased the child and dependent care credit.
We are building new housing at a scale we haven’t seen in decades, including 46,000 units of affordable housing — which will help bring housing costs down for everyone.
We have also made the largest investment in reducing homelessness in our state’s history — we are building 30 kauhale villages statewide, communities of tiny homes that are getting people off the street permanently and helping them turn their lives around.
There is still more work to do on these challenges — that’s why I am running for a second term as governor, and what I will continue to work on if elected.
Lt. Governor
Derek Kawakami is a lifelong resident of Hawaiʻi and the current Mayor of Kauaʻi County, running for Lieutenant Governor. Born in Hilo and raised on Kauaʻi, he has served his community at every level of government, including the Kauaʻi County Council, the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, and the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative Board. As Mayor, he has focused on repairing infrastructure, expanding affordable housing, strengthening public safety, and leading the county through the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife, Monica, have two children and share their home in Līhuʻe with their dog Persephone.
The HSTA and NEA also jointly recommend candidates looking to represent Hawaiʻi at the national level. Learn more here.
Congress
Serving in Congress is personal for me. As a mother, I bring urgency to this work because the consequences of inaction fall hardest on our children. Too many local families are struggling with the rising cost of living, and too many young people do not see a future for themselves in Hawaiʻi. That’s why I have focused on lowering costs, strengthening public education, expanding access to healthcare, and creating more opportunities for local families. I am running for re-election because every child deserves the opportunity to build a future here at home, and I will never stop fighting to make that possible. Mahalo to Hawaiʻi’s educators for the work you do every day to inspire, support, and shape the next generation.
For the following races, HSTA invited recommended candidates to submit a brief statement describing their accomplishments and/or reasons for running for office. Expand on a candidate to view their submission.
Hawaiʻi Senate
Like I have improved Highway 130 traffic flow when I was representing only Puna Makai as a representative, I am working with HDoT and our county councilman to improve Puna Mauka traffic flow since I have been a senator by first improving Stainback highway and its merge into Highway 11 at Mamaki. A Hwy 11 contra-flow study for morning and afternoon rush hour has been budgetted and so have alternate road studies for both Puna Mauka and Puna Makai. As Senate Health and Human Services chair, Health services have increased for both upper and lower Puna including dental at Hawaii Community Med ctr and the upcoming Hilo Benioff Med Center’s expansion into Keaau- which will include behavioral care. I have also been in the forefront of reproductive medical services by protecting a woman’s right to choose including choice of using a certified midwife. To increase educational services, I have advocated for a Pahoa Elementary cafeteria and admin office which finally resulted in a master plan; and statewide, and I have always voted in favor of teachers, including HB1890 which provides for annual salary step increases. I hope I have earned your vote.
My parents came to Hawaii with nothing as immigrants from China. They were both educators; my father spent 40 years as a professor at UH, and my mother briefly taught part time at Kalani High School. They were able to buy a home, put my brother and me through school and university, and retire comfortably. Today, it would cost over 30 years of my entire salary to buy the same house they bought in 1983. It is no longer possible for young people to buy a home, raise a family, and live a good life on one salary, and I believe this is the biggest problem facing our state. Whatever your background, your generation, or whether you work in the public or private sector, I believe one job should be enough for you to support a family and enjoy a happy life in Hawaii.
I am running for State Senate because I believe government should work for the people it serves, especially our public schools, students, and educators. I have lived and worked in Senate District 13 for more than 30 years–it’s where I grew up, built my career, and am now raising my own family. Education is deeply personal to me: my mother was a public school teacher in Hawaiʻi for more than 35 years, and two of my sisters-in-law have each served as public school teachers for nearly 20 years, with one now serving as a district resource teacher. As a working mother of two, I know the vital role teachers and educators play in supporting families, shaping lives and building Hawaiʻi’s future. I believe we must respect and listen to our educators, and ensure they have the pay, resources, staffing support, and safe learning environments they need to help every student succeed.
As a lifelong Mililani resident, I dedicated more than two decades to public and community service, including leading our Mililani-Waipiʻo Neighborhood Board and working alongside our schools, educators, and families. I worked to advance safer communities around our schools, including improved lighting, raised crosswalks, and other pedestrian safety improvements, while providing strong community leadership and support for the Mililani High School Teacher Workforce Housing project.
My emergency management experience has also reinforced that strong schools require strong infrastructure, from reliable power and stronger facilities to campuses that can safely serve our communities during disasters. After Hurricane Lala left schools and families across our district without power, including facilities serving as hurricane shelters, strengthening energy security and emergency infrastructure became even more urgent.
As your State Senator, I am committed to investing in safer, stronger, and more resilient schools and infrastructure, supporting our educators, and ensuring our hurricane shelters can remain secure, operational, and comfortable when our communities need them most. I’m running to continue to serve as our community’s State Senator to put my decades of community and public service to work at the State Capitol: fighting for our educators, investing in our schools, and building a safer, stronger future for every Central Oʻahu student and family. Mahalo!
As a proud product of our local public schools and a lifelong member of this community, I am committed to serving the people who shaped me. From my work on the Waipahu Neighborhood Board and with the Hawaii Foodbank to serving in the State Legislature, my focus has always been on giving back and making a difference.
I understand the challenges our families face because I have lived them alongside you. That is why I remain dedicated to finding practical solutions, strengthening our community, and ensuring that every voice is heard.
It has been an honor to serve you, and I humbly ask for your continued trust and support as we work together to build a stronger future for our community.
Hawaiʻi House
For the last eight years, I have worked hand in hand with Hawaiʻi Island residents as a Member of the Hawaiʻi County Council. Before joining the Council, I accumulated 25 years of experience in land use development, environmental permits, and long-range community planning.
Nestled in a culturally rich community, Hilo is the economic and educational center for East Hawaii. It is an ideal place for working families raising the next generation and caring for our kupuna.
I look forward to representing everyone on issues like the economy, education, and healthy environments that serve all, especially our local families. I humbly ask that you Vote for Lee Loy, House District 2.
A proud public school graduate, I was born and raised in South Kona.
I am proud to represent the community that shaped me. Education is one of my top priorities because it is the greatest equalizer in society. Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, regardless of where they live. I have fought to protect public school funding, expand access to free school meals, strengthen transportation options, secure critical investments in school facilities, and support teacher well-being through better pay and housing support.
Our educators are the backbone of our communities and deserve the respect, support, and resources to help every student succeed.
I also know that student success is inseparable from family well-being. That’s why I’ve championed paid family leave, universal childcare, and tax fairness, because when families are stable, our keiki can thrive.
I remain committed to fully funding public education, supporting our educators, and ensuring every child has the tools to reach their full potential.
I am running for re-election as State Representative for House District 8, North and South Kohala. I’ve lived and worked in the district for 40 years with a successful career as an environmental planner and as a six-term State Representative. I am currently Chair of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. I will continue to be a steadfast supporter of public education in the State House. I really appreciate the support of HSTA. Mahalo.
Aloha, my name is Tyson Miyake, and I am honored to serve as the State Representative for District 10 on Maui. As a lifelong Maui resident and proud graduate of Maui High School, I understand how important strong public schools and dedicated teachers are to the success of our students and community. In the Legislature, I have focused on addressing the cost of living, expanding housing opportunities, and strengthening education and workforce development programs that help keep local families here at home. I am running for re-election to continue delivering results for our community, to build a stronger future for the next generation, and to create more opportunities for local families and our community to thrive here in Hawaii. Mahalo for the opportunity to continue serving our community.
Affordability is my top priority!
I work for you: You deserve a Representative who is #WorkingForThePeople, not big corporations! I refuse their contributions. I’m #NotForSale.
We have completed 465 affordable housing units in Kihei, set aside $250 million for housing infrastructure, reduced your taxes and increased tax breaks for working families!
I fought for bills to increase teacher pay, protect small businesses, disabled and kūpuna, funded healthcare and rent supplements, reduced energy costs and stopped a new state gas tax.
I protected your environment and way of life at every opportunity.
I support kūpuna, #Unionworkers, Dedicated teacher housing, #LocalFarmers, reducing student debt, expanded healthcare, #LowerTaxes #Education. #LegalizeIt!
I’m #ProChoice: Democracy, Freedom and #ReproductiveRights are on the ballot: I won’t stand by while our constitution and way of life are attacked by (R)adical opponents. I will stand up for YOU!
Representing you is my privilege and honor.
Thank you for voting(D) #TAmato
Improving the quality of life for our families and the health of the environment have always been the driving reasons I run for office. As a generational Native Hawaiian from Molokai running for re-election to the State House of Representatives D13, these issues are at the forefront of my advocacy. I am grounded in culture, dedicated to mālama ‘āina, and a strong community advocate. Enhancing public education is one of my top priorities. I have enthusiastically introduced and co-sponsored legislation to improve conditions for teachers, students, and staff. This legislation includes pesticide buffer zones, civics education and engagement, farm to school programs, universal free school lunches, teacher recruitment and retention incentives, and support for middle-class and working families. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our kumu, keiki, and ohana.
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I was born and raised in Wailua and currently live in Līhuʻe with my wife Sokchea and our two young children. I previously taught high school civics, American government, and Hawaiian history for two years while serving on the Kauaʻi County Council, and I now chair the Committee on Housing in the Hawaiʻi State House. My focus is on reducing the cost of housing so local families can stay in the communities they grew up in. As a former teacher, I understand how foundational fair compensation and respect for educators are to a healthy public education system, and I’m running for re-election to continue the work of bringing down the cost of housing so teachers and other working families can afford to remain in Hawaiʻi.
I have served as District 17’s State Representative for 16 years. For all those years I have maintained a perfect attendance record every legislative session, and I thank my public education values for instilling that behavior in me. It is critical to assure that our children and education staff have schools that are safe, maintained and improved to meet our changing environment and population. Supporting educators, and being able to develop and support education policies/initiatives is very important and I am committed to continue doing that as long as I am elected.
I’m running for the Hawaii State House District 18. I believe leadership should be practical, transparent and rooted in listening to the people who live here.
People in our district are feeling the pressure of rising costs, safety concerns, and a government that often moves too slowly. I’m running to bring steady leadership and clear priorities to the State Capitol, with a focus on follow-through and accountability.
For me, service is a way of life deeply rooted in the community I am proud to call home. I have been a resident of Hawai‘i Kai since the age of eight, and my love for this island and its people drives everything I do.
I bring decades of experience serving on government boards, non-profits, and labor organizations to the State House.
As a State Representative, I have worked to deliver meaningful results for Hawaiʻi’s families, students, teachers and kūpuna. I proudly voted for HB 1890, which provides annual step pay increases for public and charter school teachers and helps improve teacher retention. I also supported funding for critical school improvements in District 23, including electrical upgrades, roof repairs, air conditioning projects and restroom renovations. As a member of the Education Committee, I helped advance policies that support students and strengthen public education. As Vice Chair of the Human Services and Homelessness Committee, I worked to support vulnerable families, students experiencing homelessness and kūpuna through programs like the State Rent Supplement Program. Throughout my time in office, I have remained committed to improving education, supporting working families and delivering results for our community.
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I was honored to serve as State Representative for District 32 from 2022 to 2024, and I’m running again because our community deserves active, accountable leadership. During my first term, I kept my promises—supporting our families, standing up for our teachers, and working to strengthen our public schools.
District 32 deserves leadership and a representative that is present, informed, and engaged. I will restore effective representation, support our educators, and ensure your voice is heard at the Capitol. I will show up, do the work, and earn your trust every day—just as I did before.
Gregg Takayama serves Pearl City by working for a safer, healthier community for working families that values education and cares for elders.
Gregg is a product of public schools, a former award-winning journalist who worked at KHON-TV; served as press secretary to late U.S. Senator Dan Inouye; and communications director at the University of Hawaii.
Highlights:
• 2025 State Legislator of the Year, Healthcare Association of Hawaii;
• Top State Champion Award in 2019, AARP;
• Since his 2012 election, obtained more than $55 million for Pearl City school improvements, plus $30 million for modernization of the Pearl City Public Library.
Corey Rosenlee is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about the well-being of our children. As a lifelong teacher and former President of HSTA, Corey is devoted to delivering the schools our keiki deserve and championing our state’s hardworking teachers. He also strongly supports efforts to make Hawai’i more affordable for working families, reduce homelessness, and combat climate change. A tireless advocate for the labor community, Corey is committed to producing real solutions to the problems faced by Hawai’i’s residents.
Makana Paris grew up farming and fishing in West Oʻahu, was educated in local schools, and understands firsthand the strain of high housing costs, heavy traffic, under-resourced schools, and distant government. He’s spent his life showing up for the community—working with churches, unions, Hawaiian civic clubs, neighborhood leaders, and organizations to bring people together and solve problems. Now running for State House, Makana will push government to work harder for ʻEwa and Kapolei families. His practical priorities are lowering the cost of living, building affordable homes and rentals, improving roads and infrastructure, strengthening schools, supporting safer neighborhoods, and creating good local jobs. West Oʻahu needs a representative who listens, collaborates, moves government, and delivers results. Makana is running to help local families stay, ensure keiki thrive, let kūpuna age with dignity, and win the respect and investment West Oʻahu deserves.
Aloha! I am Kanani Souza, the current State Representative for House District 43, serving the residents of Makakilo and Kapolei. Since being elected in 2022, I have been a strong voice in the Hawai‘i State Legislature for my community and government reform. I am a 2003 graduate of The Kamehameha Schools and an attorney licensed to practice law in Hawai‘i and Washington, D.C. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, with a minor in cinema/television, from the University of Southern California, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaiʻi, William S. Richardson School of Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in air and space law from the University of Mississippi School of Law, and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction from Chaminade University. Prior to being elected, I was a lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, reflecting my steadfast commitment to education and my tremendous respect for our teachers and their dedication to our students. I appreciate your continued support in the 2026 primary election.
Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association for their recommendation and continued support since 2022. It has been a privilege to represent the teachers, students, and families of HD44 and communities across Hawaiʻi. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I have worked to advance policies that improve safety and mobility for our students, including legislation to modernize Hawaiʻi’s e-bike laws and promote responsible ridership. I have also championed efforts to generate new revenue through updates to our rental vehicle tax structure and direct those funds toward supporting educator compensation. I remain committed to ensuring our teachers, students, and schools have the support they deserve.
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As a public school teacher for more than twenty years, a former leader in HSTA, and now a legislator, I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of Hawaiʻi’s children and families. In the classroom, I saw firsthand how poverty, housing instability, and unmet health needs affect student success, and I have worked to address those challenges both through my union advocacy and in the Legislature. As a legislator, I have championed policies that strengthen public education, expand access to school meals, support educators, and invest in the services and opportunities that help children thrive. I have also fought to create dedicated funding for public education by asking those who have benefited most from Hawaiʻi’s economy to contribute more toward the schools and communities that make our state strong. As a member of the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, I am helping advance policies that reduce the school-to-prison pipeline by investing in prevention, mental health services, family support, and meaningful opportunities for young people. I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, and I am running for reelection to continue building stronger schools, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.
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I taught 7th grade science at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School before running for office. My time in the classroom has shaped who I am as a legislator. I have been at the forefront of the push to ban flavored vaping products, free school meals, and other issues because I know how deeply it affects student learning. I hope to continue fighting for our students if reelected.
With a professional background in education and coaching, I ran for office to be the person I ask my student and athletes to be. I always ask our local youth to believe in themselves and realize their potential through hard work and collaboration. It was one of my former athletes that encouraged me to run because he believed in me and I am grateful to serve.
In 2020, the union started to make select recommendations at the county level with the understanding that county decisions can impact education, and all leaders should prioritize our keiki and our families.
Honolulu City Council
It’s been an honor serving you in District 6 for the past four years. I’m asking for your support for another term because we deserve a city where local families can actually afford to stay. While we have accomplished so much together, our work isn’t finished. I am running for reelection to continue building a “City That Works” — one that creates affordable housing, supports small businesses, and expands access to quality public spaces and transit. With your help, a better future is possible for this beautiful island that we all call home.
This election cycle marks a historic milestone for our union, since the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Board of Directors has, for the first time, made official recommendations in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees election.
A common misconception is that only voters of Native Hawaiian ancestry participate in these contests. However, all registered Hawaiʻi voters can cast ballots statewide for every OHA seat. HSTA recommends that you do participate and vote for those who will advance issues related to Hawaiian education. These candidates share our commitment to equitable education, cultural stewardship, and strong community advocacy.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
In my first term as OHA At-Large Trustee, I have worked to strengthen accountability, protect beneficiary resources, and create meaningful opportunities for Native Hawaiians. As Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Investment and Land Management Committee, I have helped modernize OHA’s investment strategy, strengthen oversight and due diligence, and responsibly steward the Native Hawaiian Trust Fund as it has grown to historic levels. I championed AHO, OHA’s Access to Home Ownership program, to create a new pathway to homeownership for Native Hawaiian families, and as ILM Chair, I have worked to advance the Native Hawaiian Cultural Center initiative at Kakaʻako Makai. I successfully advocated for increased investments in Native Hawaiian education, including additional funding for Hawaiian-focused charter schools, while also working to protect Native Hawaiian interests in critical land matters, including the future of military-leased Public Land Trust lands. Throughout my first term, I have remained committed to greater transparency, accountability, and ensuring that OHA’s resources are used responsibly to produce real and lasting benefits for our beneficiaries. I am seeking a second term to build upon this progress and continue strengthening housing, education, culture, economic opportunity, and the resources we leave for our keiki and future generations. Mahalo for your support!
Bio not yet provided.
Kanekoa Crabbe is a former educator who has taught students in various public and private secondary and post-secondary institutions on Oahu and on the island of Molokai. He was raised in Central Oahu, attended Mililani Uka Elementary school, graduated of Mililani High School and has resided in Hawaii his entire life. Kanekoa earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Communications and academic certificates in Hawaiian Studies, Environmental Studies and Organizational Change & Development. He is running for OHA At-Large Trustee to improve the lives and well-being of Native Hawaiian children, families and kupuna in Hawaii and throughout the world.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs table needs a voice of confident and dedicated leadership astute in Hawaiian language, culture, history, and worldview. This leader needs to be tethered to this lens and execute forward leadership that centers the other leaders to stay true to a cultural core requiring a different level of rapport and engagement in and amongst leaders at the table. This leader also needs to be beholden to this culturally grounded conscience and logic in an effort to ensure respect is earned by the community to include Kanaka, Kama’āina, and Malihini Haole alike. This leader is me. I have earned the respect of the community and there is no other at the table with my capacity.
The most important issue is after being deeply involved in the Lahaina fire recovery is restoring stability, dignity, and hope through integrity, service, and action through:
- Quality of education: Educate with purpose.
- Food security: Strengthen Local Food systems.
- Self sustainability: Building stronger Futures.
- Housing for everyone that calls Hawaii home.
Together, we can strengthen our communities by empowering our Lahui, nourishing our people, and building opportunities for lasting self- sufficiency.