As the 2025 legislative session begins, Hawaiʻi finds itself at a pivotal moment.

For the first time in a long time, the House of Representatives is under new leadership. With the former House speaker losing, the Legislature’s dynamics and culture are shifting. Yet amid this change, one thing remains clear: Hawaiʻi Republicans are gaining momentum, driven by a steadfast commitment to common sense, accountability and the needs of local families.

Hawaiʻi Republicans have just celebrated one of the most successful elections in over 20 years. All GOP incumbents retained their seats despite significant opposition, while our party gained three additional seats in the House and flipped the Waiʻanae Coast Senate seat with the decisive election of Samantha DeCorte. We now hold nine seats in the House and three in the Senate — a clear testament to the growing alignment between the values of local families and those of today’s Hawaiʻi GOP.

A Special Commentary Project

Civil Beat opinion writers are closely following efforts to bring more transparency and accountability to state and local government — at the Legislature, the county level and in the media. Help us by sending ideas and anecdotes to sunshine@civilbeat.org.

Read More

For 75 years, Hawaiʻi’s government has been dominated by one-party rule. This has resulted in skyrocketing increases to our cost of living, endless increases in taxes and fees, and a state government more focused on “renewable energy goals” than on truly helping families make ends meet. They shut down a reliable power source in West Oʻahu in the name of “Climate Change” while our communities face constant power outages and rolling blackouts. The evidence is clear: local families are being priced out of paradise. 

The same government that pats itself on the back for a budget surplus year after year continues to fail in providing tangible relief to struggling residents. It’s time for a new direction.

West Oʻahu stands as a shining example of this change. Once a Democratic stronghold, it is now almost entirely red. Families in our communities have recognized that the status quo is unsustainable. They’ve embraced the common sense, Hawaiʻi First vision of a government that prioritizes people over politics and solutions over empty promises.

Over the last two years, we went out across the island and listened to the people. The results of these conversations are reflected in our House Minority Caucus package. At the forefront is the need for immediate relief from the outrageous cost of living. 

While the governor and the Democratic majority applaud themselves for passing an income tax reduction that takes seven years to fully implement, we’re asking a simple question: What about now?

One of our proposals is to eliminate the General Excise Tax on food and groceries. This is a straightforward, impactful solution that would immediately impact our residents. It’s a measure the governor himself campaigned on in 2022, yet we’ve seen no action. Hawaiʻi’s families can’t afford to wait seven years for relief. It’s time to deliver.

Hawaiʻi’s rising crime rates demand action. That’s why we’ve introduced a “Stand Your Ground” bill, affirming every individual’s fundamental right to self-defense. We’ve also prioritized protecting our kūpuna with a bill addressing crimes against seniors. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring that Hawaiʻi remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

The state’s ongoing housing crisis highlights the need for systemic reform. Our caucus has introduced measures to streamline construction processes by cutting government red tape, which currently delays projects and inflates costs. We’re also addressing Hawaiʻi’s insurance crisis, which threatens to worsen with recent natural disasters. These solutions are practical and designed to create meaningful and much needed relief.

Education is another critical area. Hawaiʻi’s public schools have struggled under decades of Democratic leadership. We believe it’s time to empower families by establishing local school boards — one elected board per county. Local control over education will allow communities to shape the direction of our schools and ensure better outcomes for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.

Hawaiʻi Republicans are committed to standing for the Native Hawaiian community. We’re calling for the Legislature to honor the 1978 constitutional mandate to allocate the full 20% of Public Land Trust revenue to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Decades of neglect have left this obligation unmet, and it’s time to right this wrong.

We’re also advocating for reforms within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. By modernizing the lease, we aim to empower beneficiaries to qualify for mortgage loans, creating pathways to homeownership and financial stability. These measures honor the legacy of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, the “Prince of the People,” who dedicated his life to uplifting them.

As Republicans, we proudly stand on the enduring foundation laid by Prince Kūhiō, a Republican. His vision for limited government, local control and accountability continues to inspire and guide our work. Prince Kūhiō championed the establishment of county governments, a lasting hallmark of home-rule principles that empower communities to take charge of their own futures.

Today, we honor his legacy by standing firm against the status quo, holding the Democrat majority accountable and relentlessly advocating for ʻohana values and the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s local families. We fight for a Hawaiʻi where families can thrive, where our keiki inherit a future of real opportunity, and where our local culture, heritage and language flourish. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that Prince Kūhiō’s vision of a strong, self-reliant Hawaiʻi continues to inspire progress and shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Our values resonate with a growing number of Hawaiʻi residents, as evidenced by the increasing support for conservative candidates. In 2016, President Trump received 29% of the vote in Hawaiʻi. By 2024, that number had risen to nearly 40%. The message is clear: our ideas are resonating, and social media has allowed us to connect directly with the people.

Hawaiʻi’s Republicans are not just nine members in the House and three in the Senate. We represent hundreds of thousands of residents who share our vision of a better Hawaiʻi. A Hawaiʻi where local families don’t just survive, but thrive.

While we remain a minority in the Legislature, we believe in the power of ideas and the importance of debate. It’s my hope that the new leadership in the House will embrace a culture of openness and allow bills introduced by the minority to be heard. Ensuring that different voices are considered and various proposals debated is how we uphold the principles of a true democracy.

We invite the people of Hawaiʻi to join us in shaping a government that puts Hawaiʻi’s local families first. Let’s honor the legacy of Prince Kūhiō by building a future rooted in responsibility, stewardship, and a commitment to empowering, not enabling Hawaiʻi’s people.