As a state senator, commercial pilot, lieutenant colonel in the Air Hawai‘i National Guard, United States Air Force, and father of three daughters — Kai Kahele has committed his life and career to our community and country.

Kai’s father, the late State Senator Gil Kahele, showed him what service and sacrifice looked like. Growing up, Kai and his family took a trip to Washington D.C. to meet Gil Kahele’s close friend, the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Public servants like Gil, Senator Akaka, and U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye came from a generation of veterans who believed in the American dream. They understood that if people commit to something greater than themselves, the dream never dies.

Kai was appointed to the Hawaiʻi State Senate in 2016 following the untimely and unexpected death of his father. State Sen. Gil Kahele dreamed of a truly great Hawai‘i, one where justice and prosperity are enjoyed equally by all. He knew that an even better Hawai‘i remained ahead for future generations.

In the midst of one of the most unprecedented crises in living history, Kai stepped up to serve us once again – this time, in his role as a lieutenant colonel with the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, United States Air Force. Kai has volunteered for active duty and is currently assisting with the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

We are currently living in a time of uncertainty, and it is especially in times of uncertainty, that we need leadership, courage, wisdom, and strong representation in Washington D.C. to build hope and a better future for Hawai‘i and our nation. There will be a long road ahead, but together, we will recover and emerge more resilient.

This is no time for building walls. This is a time to continue to build hope, to build dreams, to build unity. Together, we will build a strong economy where all people can enjoy a living wage, compassionate social services for every person in need, and quality, affordable healthcare for all. We will prepare our youth, who are our future leaders, by providing outstanding 21st century public education, and we will protect them by not turning a blind eye to the dangers of climate change, global warming, and natural disasters. We must govern with knowledge and courage.

Your concerns are Kai’s number one priority. He will listen and work faithfully for you. He will work collaboratively with our entire Congressional delegation and all the government officials in Washington, D.C. who serve you. This is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. The divides in Washington, D.C. have rarely been greater, but this only means that we need to send our very best to tackle these many tough issues and find solutions.

We will stand for our shared values, our beliefs, our principles. Like his father Gil Kahele, Kai will stand for everything that is good and right about our Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo for your consideration and support.

Team Kahele