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.
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
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Here is our 2026 Good Government Policy Agenda to create a more transparent government.
1) Protect Election Integrity & Expand Voter Access
Safeguard secure, fair elections while making participation easier and more accessible. This includes improving voter services, modernizing election systems, extending key timelines, and ensuring independent, accountable oversight of elections.
2) Expand Publicly Funded Elections
Strengthen Hawaiʻi’s public financing system so everyday voters, not wealthy donors, drive elections. Priorities include increasing matching funds, raising caps, and advancing tools like Democracy Dollars to amplify small donations and broaden candidate participation.
3) Close Campaign Finance Loopholes
Update and strengthen campaign finance laws to close gaps that allow abuse, improve enforcement, and ensure transparency and accountability in political spending.
4) Curb the Influence of Big Money in Elections
Reduce the outsized role of independent expenditures and outside money by strengthening disclosure requirements and preventing corporations and special interests from hiding political influence behind legal loopholes.
5) Strengthen Civics Education
Invest in long-term democratic health by ensuring students and communities understand how government works, how to participate, and why civic engagement matters.