HAPA’s Kuleana Academy
HAPA’S MISSION
Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action
“HAPA’s mission is to catalyze community empowerment and systemic change towards valuing ʻāina and people ahead of corporate profit.”
I’m so grateful to have been introduced to HAPA & it’s amazing leaders! They have done so much positive & impactful work throughout Hawaiʻi. Their efforts/involvement span over a wide range of local issues including water rights & GMOs (just to name a few). They connect activists and community organizers from across the islands creating a supportive network.
The Kuleana Academy is a 4-month leadership development program designed to educate/train grassroots leaders who have a desire to serve in public office, as community organizers, or on Hawai`i’s Boards and Commissions. Candidates are introduced to critical social, economic & environmental issues in Hawai‘i, as well as the ins-and-outs of campaigning.
Want to apply? – click click click!
Recruiting Video
This video features testimonies of recent Kuleana Academy graduates who had successful election turnouts. Each shares their experience in the program, crediting Kuleana Academy for their success – thanks to resources & in-depth training.
Featured Graduates:
- Kiani Rawlins-Fernandez, Vice-Chair of the Maui County Council, Molokai District
- Will Caron, Communications Director, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice
- Tina Wildberger, State House Representative, South Maui District
- Amy Perruso, State House Representative, Whitmore/Laulani Valley/Wahiawa District
Success Story
Tiare Lawrence is a Kuleana Academy graduate from Maui. HAPA & Kuleana Academy provided her with the training/resources she would need to be a more effective/involved community organizer.
She played a big role in the restoration of Kahoma Valley, an area that once thrived with food & resources thousands of years of go. This effort involved restoring water back to the stream that flows through the area & organizing community workdays. Since this success, we’ve seen native aquatic species return to the stream & Hawaiians are cultivating the area once again.