Endorsements

Local leaders. Trusted voices. One shared vision for Hawaiʻi’s future.

Join the growing coalition standing behind Derek Kawakami.

2026 Endorsements

  • General Contractors Association of Hawaiʻi
  • Hawaiʻi Building and Construction Trades Council
  • Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, Local 1463, IAFF, AFL-CIO
  • Hawaiʻi Laborers & Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Fund
  • Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, Kauaʻi Chapter
  • Hawaiʻi Operating Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund
  • Hawaiʻi Realtors Political Action Committee
  • Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association
  • Indivisible Hawaiʻi ʻOhana Alliance
  • International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 132
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1357
  • International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142
  • International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 50
  • Iron Workers Local 625 Stabilization Fund
  • Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi
  • Laborers International Local 368
  • Operating Engineers Local 3, District 17
  • Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association Local 630
  • Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675
  • Sheet Metal Workers Local 293
  • State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers
  • Teamsters Local 996
  • United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO
  • Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 Hawaii

“HSTA is pleased to announce our unwavering support for Derek Kawakami in the upcoming race for Lieutenant Governor. His experience in various levels of government and his ability to connect with people in our communities makes him the wisest choice when filling out your ballot. Being married to a teacher himself, Derek is well aware of the issues and struggles that affect our keiki, our educators, and our schools. There is no better candidate than Derek Kawakami for Lieutenant Governor as Hawaiʻi strives towards providing our keiki the schools they deserve!”

Osa Tui, Jr.
President of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association

“If we want to make our neighborhoods safer statewide, we need leaders who have a track record of putting public safety first. SHOPO supports Mayor Derek Kawakami for Lieutenant Governor because he’s made the decisions to ensure our police officers have the resources and support they needed to keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with him at the state level to address challenges like our statewide officer retention crisis, so the residents and visitors of Hawaiʻi get the public safety services they deserve.”

Don M. Faumuina
President of the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers

“Mayor Derek Kawakami is the leader Hawaiʻi needs, with a proven track record of executive leadership and crisis management. His steady guidance of Kauaʻi County through natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that he is ready to serve as Lieutenant Governor from day one. Through his unwavering support for working families and commitment to improving the lives of Hawaiʻi’s residents, ILWU Local 142 is proud to stand with Derek Kawakami.”

Chris West
President of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142

“I fully endorse Derek Kawakami for Lieutenant Governor. He has displayed his ability to lead with integrity, intelligence, and empathy through natural disasters, a worldwide pandemic, and economic uncertainties. Using bold, innovative initiatives, Derek has bolstered infrastructure, facilitated additional farming opportunities, and created transitional and affordable housing.”

Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi
President, Hawaiʻi State Senate

“Throughout his tenure as Mayor of Kauaʻi, Mayor Kawakami has demonstrated strong, steady leadership during some of the most challenging times our island has faced. His leadership, accessibility, and dedication to public service have earned the trust and respect of residents, businesses, and community organizations alike. We are confident that Mayor Kawakami’s experience, vision, and proven track record will serve the State of Hawaiʻi well as its next Lieutenant Governor.”

Michael Murphy
HLTA Kauaʻi Chapter Chair

“Kawakami has executive experience navigating economic challenges, such as affordable housing, that makes him the stronger contender for Democrats.”

Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board

“While each chapter remains autonomous, all reached the same conclusion: Mayor Derek Kawakami has demonstrated the leadership, integrity, and collaborative spirit needed to serve the people of Hawaiʻi as Lieutenant Governor. The Indivisible Hawaii Ohana Alliance believes democracy is strengthened when communities work together with mutual respect, civic engagement, and a commitment to the common good. Our endorsement reflects confidence in a leader who has consistently demonstrated those values.”

Indivisible Hawaiʻi ʻOhana Alliance

Hawaii Fire Fighters Association Endorses Derek Kawakami

The Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA), Local 1463, IAFF, AFL-CIO, has officially endorsed Derek S.K. Kawakami for Lieutenant Governor.

Representing approximately 1,900 active-duty and 1,000 retired firefighters across Hawaiʻi, HFFA recognized Kawakami for his longstanding support of firefighters, public employees, and the essential services they provide to communities statewide.

“The Executive Board, by unanimous vote, officially announces our endorsement of your candidacy for the office of Lieutenant Governor. HFFA deeply appreciates your support of and commitment to issues important to the fire service and to public employees. We look forward to collaborating with you and thank you for your commitment to public service.”

Robert H. Lee
Hawaii Fire Fighters Association President

“Our firefighters answer every call and put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and communities,”
“I am proud to have earned the support of HFFA, HSTA, SHOPO and UPW, organizations representing the firefighters, educators, law enforcement officers and public workers who serve communities across Hawaiʻi. As Lieutenant Governor, I will continue standing with the first responders and public workers who keep our communities safe and our state moving forward.”

Derek Kawakami