The Democratic Party of Hawai’i meets on May 29th and 30th at the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel Village – to choose a new Party Chair.

Two candidates will be on the ballot, one of whom has refused to publicly declare his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In my house, this is nonnegotiable.

My daughter who has always been wise beyond her years, told me once, “Dad, there are some things, you just cannot agree to disagree on.”

For me, equal treatment of all people is one of those things.

The Stonewall Caucus is the official Hawai’i Democratic Party Caucus representing the LGBTQ+ community.

The Stonewall Caucus AND the Women’s Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i sent both candidates running for election to be Democratic Party Chair, a “Pledge to Protect and Respect Every Member of Our Community”.

The pledge affirms support for LGBTQ+ equality, transgender rights, marriage equality, diversity, inclusion, and the dignity of every member of our community.

Only one candidate signed that pledge.

That candidate is Tina Marie Even.

The other candidate, Makai Freitas, is unwilling to sign this pledge, AND did not participate in a “candidate forum” cohosted by all the party caucus’s – Stonewall, Education, Kūpūna, Labor, Veterans, Women’s, Environmental, and Hawaiian Affairs Caucuses and the Young Democrats of Hawai’i.

He could have used the forum to explain his position on this and other important issues, but chose not to participate even when offered alternative dates.

I guess by now you know who I’m supporting.

Though I’m not a Delegate and thus will not be casting a vote at the upcoming convention, I will exercise my right to speak out as a member of the Democratic Party, and as a former Party Vice Chair – in support of Tina Marie Even.

It is my understanding that Mr. Freitas has also been selected by Governor Josh Green to serve on the University of Hawai’i Board of Regents.

Mr. Freitas is no doubt qualified to serve as a U.H. Regent and/or as Democratic Party Chair – EXCEPT that his unwillingness to pledge his support for LGBTQ+ equality seems an untenable position for anyone seeking either or both leadership positions.

It’s unfathomable to me, how Hawai’i Democrats could possibly even think about electing someone to lead the Party who is not an open and enthusiastic supporter of LBGTQ+ rights.

As a member of the Party for the past 30 years, I find this disheartening at best.

Yes, of course there are many issues of importance such as the rights of labor, environmental protection, homelessness, public education, climate change, energy independence, the proposal to make Hawai’i the hub of weapons manufacturing in the Pacific, criminal justice reform, healthcare, etc.

Some of these are also nonnegotiable, and on some we can agree to disagree on various aspects and language nuance.

You could argue it’s impossible to find a candidate that’s “good” on every issue.

Yes, you could argue that and my response would be, BS.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are NON-NEGOTIABLE.

The Democratic Party has already slid way too far away from it’s core values, down the path of “corporatism”, where the guy, or the idea, or the proposal, or the bill – with the most money gets the support and attention.

I’m not interested in being a member of a Party of corporatists, who call themselves centrists, and cloak themselves as Democrats.

I’m looking for a Party Chair who will shout our values from the roof-tops, and who is proud to tell the world of their support of diversity, equity, inclusion, for the LBGTQ+ community and EVERYONE.

After speaking with many in the community who know her personally and have worked with her extensively, I have come to the conclusion that Tina Marie Even is that person and much more.

It is clear from her track record and her daily actions, that she not only believes deeply in our core values, but she SHOWS UP, communicates well, and is a tireless and effective organizer.

I’m hopeful that Delegates attending the upcoming Party Convention will think long and hard about the decision before them, and cast their vote for Tina Marie Even.

Gary Hooser
This is the sign I proudly display in front of my house.