Aloha Reader,

Imagine an enormous stone, rigid and unmoving, yet packed deep inside with the untapped force of real Democracy. Now picture someone standing before it with a hammer, chipping away, bit by bit, trying to break it open and unleash the change sealed within.

Hi! I’m Tina Marie, one of the leaders at KIND. I’m also one of the few people standing at the stone of Democracy, hammer in hand, chipping away to crack it open and bring forward stronger, more progressive leadership.

I’d like to take a few moments to share my journey and the impact I’ve been able to make within the Democratic Party of Hawai'i (DPH) since joining last year.... and then I’ll share info about how you can join me 😊

My Story and why I got involved with the Democratic Party of Hawai'i

I have called the Big Island home since 2015, and have lived in Waikoloa since 2022. Back in 2012, my husband, who studied political science, helped me gain more awareness about the political arena. Over the years, I dove deeper into the issues that affected my life. I was determined to be effective in affecting the political system, and while it seems an insurmountable task for any individual, I knew that only engaged, informed citizens can truly move things forward.

You probably have asked yourself, "Why does the Democratic Party do this or that?, "I wish the Democratic party would have more backbone", or "I feel left behind. Why doesn't the Democratic Party fight for the working class?"

Well, I asked myself the same questions, and then I started learning the process. The 2016 presidential election certainly accelerated my deep desire to learn how to create change within the current system, and 2024 provided opportunities to BE the change....even if it is entrenched and opaque (hint, hint: rock and hammer 😉🙃).

While I am truly glad to live in a blue State, I am also keenly aware that we shouldn't take it for granted or become complacent. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to create an entirely new party, and it will take DECADES. After much thought, I concluded our best chance to create change is using the Democratic Party as a vehicle to get there. So, last year, I signed up with the state party. Since then, I showed up to meetings and have obtained three positions: Co-Chair of the state's Women's Caucus, County Representative for State Central Committee, and Assistant Secretary of the Hawai`i County Committee.

The Hawai'i County Committee (HCC) plays a vital role in organizing Democrats at the local level: supporting candidates, engaging voters, strengthening our community voice, and helping shape the direction of the State Democratic Party from the grassroots up.

At the state level, I can proudly report that I have chipped at that stone of democracy. For example, I voted in favor of our state party leadership to support an investigation into corruption allegations against an influential Hawai'i lawmaker.

Democratic Party Biennial District Elections

Here is how YOU can help create a more diverse, action-oriented local Democratic Party. This Wednesday is your chance to join me in shifting and being the change you want to see at the basic grassroots political level. Let me explain:

The Hawai'i County Committee is having Biennial District Elections on Wednesday, March 4th, to elect:

• District Council Officers and at-large Members,
• Delegates and alternates to the DPH State Convention, and
• At-large delegates to the County Convention (if available in your County)

Every two years, at-large delegates have three primary opportunities to exercise their voting power:

1. Legislative Vacancy Elections:​
   When a vacancy occurs in a Democratic State House or State Senate seat, at-large delegates participate in the process to vet and vote on the nominees whose names are forwarded to the Governor for his selection of a candidate to appoint, in accordance with party rules and state law.
2. County Convention:​
   At-large delegates are voting members of the County Convention, where they help conduct official party business, including the adoption of resolutions, election of party officers, and selection of delegates to the State Convention.
3. State Convention:​
   At-large delegates who are elected to serve at the State Convention vote on party leadership, platform matters, rules, and resolutions, and conduct other official statewide party business.

Now I ask a huge favor - PLEASE Get Involved!

My arms are tired from chipping 🔨🔨, and I could use some help breaking this Stone of Democracy open!

I encourage you to get involved and consider serving. It's honestly pretty low-key, and we meet quarterly (hybrid, in person and virtually). It’s one of the most direct and meaningful ways to participate in the political process, bring fresh ideas forward, and help build the future we want to see. If you’re ready for new energy and new leadership, this is your opportunity to make a real impact right here at the ground level.

If you are already a member of the Democratic Party Hawai'i (DPH), make sure your membership is up to date, or even better, become a member and add your voice on the DPH website: www.hawaiidemocrats.org with a suggested (not mandatory) fee of $25/year.

Different districts vote at different locations and times throughout the island, so head over to www.HawaiiCountyDemocrats.net to find your district's election location and time.

Feel free to email me with any further questions: TinaMarieEven@gmail.com

TAKE ACTION: Elections for North Kohala and Kailua-Kona (Districts 6, 7, and 8) are on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00 pm, at the West Hawai'i Civic Center Building G.

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I would be thrilled to see you.
Warmest Aloha,
Tina Marie

- The Kona Indivisible Team ​konaindivisible.org​ ​info@konaindivisible.org​

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