Aloha Reader,

This week we're supporting all those seriously affected by Hurricane Lala, gearing up for the general election with U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, and marking our calendars for a rally on August 28.

In this issue:

• Hurricane Lala relief
• General election kickoff webinar with U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda
• Defend the Vote, Justice and Our Future rally
• Postcarding

Hurricane Lala

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Lala. Although Kona was spared the worst of the storm's impacts, we know many across the island are still without power and water, or clearing downed trees and storm debris. This radar time-lapse shows Lala's close approach to South Point, and this one shows the storm's full path across all the islands.

This was a historic storm: on Saturday, Lala's eyewall passed about 35 miles south of the island, marking the most severe hurricane impact on Hawaiʻi Island in memory. Hawaiian Electric reported wind gusts of 91 mph in Kohala, strong enough to topple trees and take down utility poles and transmission towers.

Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network (IHSN) has four chapters across the island, and our hearts are especially with Kaʻu Voices and their members, as they suffered the brunt of the impact. That said, folks around Kona and the rest of the island are also juggling life without power, and we're thinking of you also.

If you're in need of help, or want to donate to help those who are, check out Vibrant Hawaiʻi for an up-to-date list of water and food availability and resources on filing claims. We applaud all our neighbors who make this possible, and we're grateful to the county and state for their emergency response.

This is the second major storm to hit our community in five months - the Kona Low in March brought heavy rain, and now Lala has brought even more flooding, wind damage, and power outages. We're keeping all of that in mind as we continue to show up for each other.

That same resolve carries into our political work - with the primary behind us, we're now turning our attention to the midterm elections in swing states.

General election kickoff webinar with Rep. Jill Tokuda

We're thrilled to be co-hosting an informational Zoom webinar with our Congressional Representative, Jill Tokuda. Mahalo to all who joined her recent sign-waving and pau hana here in Kona. We're fortunate to have a representative in DC who meets the urgency of this moment.

On the agenda:

• Restoring democracy and voting rights, with Jill Tokuda and a guest U.S. House Representative
• Flipping the U.S. Congress blue, with Younghee (IHSN)
• Getting Hawaiʻi voters to the polls, with Jill's Campaign Manager

TAKE ACTION: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 5:30-6:30 pm HST - REGISTER HERE​

Defend the Vote, Justice and Our Future

Friday, August 28, we will rally along with people across the country to defend voting rights, justice, and our future.

We're rallying for three reasons:

• To defend the vote: The voting rights and protections our parents and grandparents fought for are being weakened.
• To defend civil rights: Attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion are attempts to roll back access and opportunity, and none of us want to live in the last century.
• For economic justice: Too many families are still fighting for fair wages, affordable housing, and a real chance to build wealth.

Our fight isn't left versus right. It's top versus bottom. This isn't about one election– it's a long fight, and it won't be easy to win. But it is possible, and patience and engagement do matter.

When: Friday, August 28, 2026, 4:00-5:00 pm
​​Where: Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, south of Henry Street, mauka of the Mormon Temple (our usual rally spot)
​Parking: Use one of the larger lots on Henry Street. Please don't park on the road shoulder on Queen Kaʻahumanu.

RSVPs help us reach you fast if anything changes at the last minute.

TAKE ACTION: RSVP here​

Postcarding

In a world of digital ads and automated texts, a handwritten postcard stands out. Research shows that personal, handwritten notes move people in ways that mass mailings simply can't match. We send cards to people in swing states and competitive districts across the country who don't reliably show up to vote — but just might, if someone reaches out.

So, join us Thursdays at Gypsea Gelato in Kealakekua to write postcards to voters in order to flip both houses of Congress blue. We have high hopes for Mary Peltola, who's running for Senate in Alaska. Voter turnout will be key, so let's get folks motivated.

TAKE ACTION: Join us this Thursday, August 20, from 1:30-3:00 pm at Gypsea Gelato in Kealakekua. We'll provide postcards, a script, and names and addresses. If you can, please bring your own postcard stamps. Register.

SAVE THE DATE: On September 6, we're moving our monthly Sunday postcard get-together to Old Airport Park and changing the time to 11 am. Please register to get additional details. Register.

If you can't make it to a postcard event, or if you prefer to write from the comfort of your own home, we have you covered. You can pick up a postcard packet that includes instructions, a script, and names and addresses to do at home. You can find all the options to help out on our postcarding page.

Looking forward to seeing you at the rally on the 28th and at postcarding events soon!

Sam & the KIND Leadership Team

Want to support our work? Donate here​ ​​​​ P.S. You may also receive the Sunday newsletter from the Indivisible Hawai'i Statewide Network, which includes both national and state news. Our newsletter emphasizes county and local events and actions specific to the Kona Coast of the Big Island.

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