Community leaders on the third anniversary of the Respect for Marriage Act announced last week the official launch of HOKU PAC, a new non-partisan political action committee dedicated to empowering māhū and LGBTQIA+ candidates — and their allies — seeking county and state office throughout Hawaiʻi.

HOKU PAC — grounded in the values of ha‘aheo (pride), ‘ohana, kaulike (justice) and ui (activate) — enters Hawaiʻi’s civic landscape with a mission rooted in community leadership, equity and the enduring spirit of aloha.

The political action committee will work to elect leaders who advance equality, protect civil rights and ensure all people — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or background — can live with dignity, safety and respect.

It will also support state laws and constitutional amendments that strengthen justice and civil rights, while opposing policies that undermine those hard-won protections.

“The elections of November and December 2025 made one thing clear: voters want leadership in democracy, decency and inclusion,” said President and Founder of HOKU PAC Michael Golojuch Jr. in a release about the committee’s launch. “Hawaiʻi has long led the nation by standing up for equity and aloha. Our communities deserve elected officials who reflect our values and will defend the civil rights of all our people, including our māhū and LGBTQIA+ ʻohana. HOKU PAC was created to help ensure that future.”

HOKU PAC seeks to strengthen democratic participation statewide through grassroots organizing, strategic advocacy and community activation by uplifting candidates, educating voters and ensuring Hawaiʻi’s laws and policies reflect justice and the aloha spirit.

“This PAC fills a critical gap in Hawaiʻi politics,” said HOKU PAC Treasurer Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego in the release. “For too long, the voices and experiences of māhū and LGBTQIA+ people have been underrepresented in decision-making spaces. HOKU PAC is here to help change that.”

Kaumeheiwa-Rego added that the political action committee is building a political home “where our community’s values guide action, where our families are protected and where equality is non-negotiable.”

Follow HOKU PAC on Instagram to find additional information.