Reclaiming Democracy

Reclaiming Democracy seeks to address the root causes of regulatory capture of our local government by building the community political power— people power.

This program area confronts systemic disparities in our social institutions and calls for reform by further resourcing frontline communities to lead and participate in civic affairs.

Three women at an informational booth for the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) at Kuleana Academy. The booth has signs, brochures, and a whiteboard with a message that says 'Ask Me About Kuleana Academy.' The women are smiling and wearin
Four students, two girls and two boys, walking and talking in a spacious corridor with modern architecture, wooden accents, and large windows.
Three people standing in front of a wooden wall with flags and signs, participating in a cultural or community event. One woman is smiling, another woman is with hands together in a prayer gesture, and a man is holding a microphone. The scene is deco
Three people sitting at a table working together, with two laptops and a sheet of paper, inside a modern office with glass doors and a sign reading 'Kuleana Academy', and a person in the background writing on a large whiteboard.
Musicians performing outdoors on a grassy area with a girl dancing, in front of a modern building with tall pillars and palm trees.
A diverse group of nine people gathered on wooden bleacher seats in a modern office or community space, smiling at the camera. The group includes men and women of different ethnicities, some wearing colorful clothing and others in casual wear, with p
Two women hugging and smiling outdoors in front of a brick building, with another woman in the background.
Four people at a social gathering wearing leis and engaging in conversation. The background features a dark and teal patterned wall.
Group of five people at an outdoor event during nighttime, wearing leis, with one woman holding a certificate or diploma, all smiling for the camera.
Group of women listening to a speaker during a meeting or workshop, with a HAPA banner and a large screen in the background.
Three people sitting in chairs engaged in a discussion at Kuleana Academy, with posters and whiteboards with notes behind them.
Kuleana academy Logo

Kuleana Academy

This program area houses HAPA’s Kuleana Academy (KA), a community leader accelerator program focusing on skilling-up frontline community leaders in issue-based, political, or electoral campaigns.

The program is grounded in values of community accountable leadership.

Next Kuleana Academy May 2027

Applications Open January 2027

KULEANA ACADEMY INTEREST FORM HERE
Featured
Kuleana Academy Weekend 4 and 5: Putting Practice to the Test
Kuleana Academy Weekend 4 and 5: Putting Practice to the Test
Kuleana Academy Participants and Alumni Speak Out in Recent Op-Eds
Kuleana Academy Participants and Alumni Speak Out in Recent Op-Eds
Kuleana Academy Weekend 2 and 3: Building Skills, People Power, and Connection
Kuleana Academy Weekend 2 and 3: Building Skills, People Power, and Connection
Kuleana Academy Skills Bootcamp
Kuleana Academy Skills Bootcamp
Kuleana Academy Weekend 1: Foundations for Political Campaigns
Kuleana Academy Weekend 1: Foundations for Political Campaigns
Announcing Kuleana Academy's Newest Cohort!
Announcing Kuleana Academy's Newest Cohort!
Star Advertiser Article - 5 Questions: Reclaiming Democracy director works to engage community-minded citizens
Star Advertiser Article - 5 Questions: Reclaiming Democracy director works to engage community-minded citizens
Support Hawaiʻi Leaders this Giving Tuesday!
Support Hawaiʻi Leaders this Giving Tuesday!
Kuleana Academy Elected to Office in 2024
Kuleana Academy Elected to Office in 2024
KA Alumni Weekend : Hanalei, Kaua‘i
KA Alumni Weekend : Hanalei, Kaua‘i
Kuleana Academy Alumni Running for Office in 2024
Kuleana Academy Alumni Running for Office in 2024
Support HAPA’s Work Towards a More Just Hawaiʻi!
Support HAPA’s Work Towards a More Just Hawaiʻi!
Giving Tuesday - give to HAPA! ◡̈
Giving Tuesday - give to HAPA! ◡̈
Kuleana Academy Alumni Represents at CNHA Native Hawaiian Convention On Maui 2023
Kuleana Academy Alumni Represents at CNHA Native Hawaiian Convention On Maui 2023
Congratulations to Kuleana Academy’s Seventh Cohort Graduates! 
Congratulations to Kuleana Academy’s Seventh Cohort Graduates! 
Kuleana Academy x Hawaiian Soul Film Screening
Kuleana Academy x Hawaiian Soul Film Screening
Kuleana Academyʻs Cohort 7
Kuleana Academyʻs Cohort 7
Tell all the change-makers you know!
Tell all the change-makers you know!
HAPAʻs Inaugural Kuleana Academy Alumni Gathering!
HAPAʻs Inaugural Kuleana Academy Alumni Gathering!
Hoʻomaikaʻi Kuleana Academy Alumni !!!
Hoʻomaikaʻi Kuleana Academy Alumni !!!
Supporting Community Based Leaders is More Important than Ever!
Supporting Community Based Leaders is More Important than Ever!
The 6th Cohort is Underway! Support their Leadership Journey!
The 6th Cohort is Underway! Support their Leadership Journey!
Meet the Summer 2021 Kuleana Academy Cohort!
Meet the Summer 2021 Kuleana Academy Cohort!
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Congratulations to Kuleana grads winning in the 2020 primary!
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HAPA awards inaugural Kuleana Academy fellowship