The Democratic Party of Hawaii is successful because of its historical focus on enfranchisement of Hawaii’s people, its representation of core values of fairness, respect and civility, and its operational effectiveness at electing Democrats who are dedicated to promoting the public’s interests. Our longevity and primacy are aided by the commitment of our proud members to those core values. Also, other political parties generally have not provided functional alternatives. As such, the vehicle for Hawaii’s modern political progression has always been and remains the Democratic Party.
But times, economies and generations change. Many young people are becoming alienated, due in large part to an establishment unwilling to include them in continuing U.S. economic prosperity; one that has consistently reduced workers’ wages while maintaining high corporate profit margins.
Nationally there has been a rise of populism based on long-term systemic inequities, economic imbalances and stagnations that have left a majority of citizens out of a shared prosperity. Some fear generational or systemic change. But as Robert F. Kennedy said, “ … the first task of a concerned people is not to condemn or castigate or deplore; it is to search out the reason for disillusion- ment and alienation, the rationale of protest and dissent — perhaps, indeed, to learn from it.”
For a people and place whose understanding of the relationship to a corporate dominated economy in a colonial framework led to the Democratic Party revolution of 1954, Hawaii is again poised to embrace big changes to uplift its people.
Now again the Democratic Party will empower our islands by engaging in discourse among diverse interests, and with passion, give voice to our community. In the recent caucus, over 28,000 new members joined our party. Many of them stayed involved through the party’s state convention and now are working with the full spectrum of local Democrats to energize and focus us on important issues like economic equality, health care, housing and food security, clean energy, quality of life for our kupuna, protections and opportunity for workers, and a bright future for local youth and our environment.
Democrats are recognizing the challenges of a complex global economy and asking what we can do to correct the shortfalls that compromise the experiences of many of our citizens. We will not shift or shrug from our responsibility to create the fair and decent society open to all that deserve a kind and uplifting life in the islands. We will not let global pressures undermine the things that made and continue to make Hawaii a special place in which to grow up, live, love, thrive and raise a family.
Ultimately, the Democratic Party, in its full diversity, will come together to take on the current challenge. We will resolve ourselves to do it within the framework of our traditional values, because that is what inspires us to embrace change with aloha for all.
Most important, the people of Hawaii who hold these decent egalitarian values, respect our diversity, and share a vision for a society which serves all our citizens, can come together today to chart this course and do the work. We need each other to look beyond raw self-interests and small divisions, and ask: What is the way for our beloved Hawaii to move forward to a deserved future?
Democrats will be asking the important questions and engaging all communities, institutions and individuals as we seek improvements and solutions. Our past informs and guides us, but positive change takes vision, sacrifice and courage. The brightest future awaits our recommitment and new unified efforts. We are most worthy when we live up to our legacy and revive the “revolution” for each generation. For this meaningful engagement — look to and participate in the Democratic Party of Hawaii.
