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What voters should know about Kai Kahele
Commercial Pilot — State Senator Kahele is a commercial airline pilot with Hawaiian Airlines where he has flown international and domestic passenger routes since 2009. As a Hawaiian Airlines pilot, he is a member of their union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
Lieutenant Colonel — Senator Kahele serves his country and his state with honor as a lieutenant colonel with the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard, United States Air Force. He is a decorated 19-year combat veteran aviator with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005. He is the recipient of the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal, and a past Pacific Air Forces Guard Officer of the Year and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard Officer of the Year.
State Senator — Senator Kahele has served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate for the 1st district of Hawaiʻi Island since February 2016, when he was appointed by Governor Ige to fill the seat of his father, State Senator Gil Kahele, after his unexpected death. Senator Kahele was subsequently elected and re-elected in 2016 and 2018. He currently serves as Majority Floor Leader, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water and Land, Vice Chairman of Hawaiian Affairs, and member of the Committees on Ways and Means, and Higher Education.
Senator Kahele’s community values stem from his roots. His father and grandfather were born in Miloliʻi, the last remaining native Hawaiian fishing village in Hawaiʻi, where Kai learned the values of aloha, caring for our community and protecting our natural environment. Like his father, the late State Senator Gil Kahele, Kai is passionate about public service and partners with nonprofit organizations to help our most vulnerable, including: keiki, kūpuna, houseless and veterans.
Why Congress, Economy, Education, Medicare, Housing, Veterans Healthcare, Climate Action
Senator Kahele and his wife, Maria, are raising their family in Hilo, Kai’s hometown on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Maria is a twenty-year flight attendant (AFA-CWA) with Hawaiian Airlines, and she and Kai actively participate in their children’s education, instilling lifelong values and the love of learning. They have three beautiful daughters, ʻAleʻa, Nāmaka and ʻIolana.
If Kai is elected to Congress, he would be one of only two native Hawaiians ever to serve in the U.S. Congress since Hawaiʻi became a state, and the first elected official and current resident from the Neighbor Islands to represent Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District.
Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, Immigration & Refugees, Gender Equality
For news media inquiries, please contact Alan Tang at [email protected] or (808) 261-8412.
Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress
October 20, 2020
Kahele Endorsed by UHPA and Now All Hawaii Public Unions; Campaign Raises Over $1 Million
October 6, 2020
Former U.S. President Obama Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress District 2
September 25, 2020
Tri-Caucus PACs Endorse Kai Kahele for Congressional District 2
September 22, 2020
Kai Kahele wins Democratic Nomination for CD2
August 8, 2020
U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Brady PAC Endorse Kai Kahele for CD2
July 22, 2020
League of Conservation Voters Action Fund Endorses Kai Kahele for Congressional District 2
July 20, 2020
Teamsters, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and Intl. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Endorse Kai Kahele
July 10, 2020
Progressive Change Campaign Committee Endorses Kai Kahele
July 7, 2020
Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675 Endorse Kai Kahele for Congressional District 2
June 26, 2020
United Food & Commercial Workers, Friends of Intelligent Democracy, and People for the American Way Endorse Kai Kahele
June 10, 2020
The Human Rights Campaign endorses Kai Kahele for Congressional District 2
June 8, 2020
Hawaiian Airlines Pilots MEC-ALPA and Assoc. of Flight Attendants-CWA endorse Kai Kahele
June 3, 2020
State Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele Receives Endorsement from U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono
June 1, 2020
State Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele Receives Endorsement from VoteVets in His Bid for CD2
May 28, 2020
Kahele Called Up for Active Duty COVID-19 Hawai‘i response
April 14, 2020
Kahele Files Nomination Papers, Receives Key Endorsements and Q1 Donations
April 13, 2020
Kahele Campaign Temporarily Suspends Public Fundraising Events for March
March 13, 2020
HGEA Endorses Kai Kahele For Congress
February 19, 2020
The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Endorses Senator Kai Kahele For Congress
January 31, 2020
The International Longshore & Warehouse Union Endorses Senator Kai Kahele For Congress (ILWU)
January 31, 2020
Senator Kai Kahele Opens Hilo Campaign Headquarters
January 29, 2020
Congressman Seth Moulton Endorses Kai Kahele For Congress
January 16, 2020
Kai Kahele Raises $216,985.62 in the Fourth Quarter of 2019 — 2019 Grand total surpasses $700K
January 13, 2020
Statement by Kai Kahele on the Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump
December 18, 2019
Former Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress
November 18, 2019
Kai Kahele Earns Early Endorsements from Key Community Leaders
November 1, 2019
Governor Howard Dean Endorses Kai Kahele For Congress
October 31, 2019
Kai Kahele Statement on Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's Decision not to Seek Re-election
October 25, 2019
Kai Kahele Statement on U.S. House Vote to Protect Elections from Foreign Interference
October 23, 2019
Kai Kahele to Participate in 2019 Honolulu Pride Festivities
October 18, 2019
Kai Kahele Statement on U.S. House Vote Condemning President Trump's Syria Actions
October 16, 2019
Kahele for Congress Passes Fundraising Milestone
October 15, 2019
Kai Kahele Issues Statement on Impeachment Inquiry of President Donald J. Trump
September 26, 2019
Kai Kahele Weekend Events in Kailua-Kona
September 12, 2019
Kahele For Congress Seeking Fundraiser Director
August 22, 2019
Kai Kahele Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel
August 12, 2019
Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson Endorses Kai Kahele For Congress
July 15, 2019
Kahele For Congress Announces First Quarter Fundraising Results
April 8, 2019
Kahele Endorsement
March 14, 2019
Kai Kahele Running for CD 2
January 21, 2019
Candidates Set for Hawaii Congressional Races
The Rafu Shimpo | October 8, 2020
Lawmakers to Kim: Don’t Opt Out of Pre-travel Testing Program
Hawaii Tribune Herald | October 7, 2020
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Endorses Kahele for Congress
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | October 7, 2020
Kahele Endorsed by UHPA & All HI Public Unions; Raises Over $1M
Big Island Gazette | October 6, 2020
Barack Obama Backs State Sen. Kai Kahele for Congress
Honolulu Civil Beat | September 25, 2020
Former President Obama Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress
Big Island Gazette | September 25, 2020
Former President Barack Obama Endorses Kai Kahele for Congress
Hawaii News Now | September 25, 2020
Kahele Holds Livestream Events
The Maui News | September 22, 2020
Sen. Kai Kahele Endorsed by Tri-Caucus PACs
Big Island Gazette | September 22, 2020
Gov. Ige Releases $500K for Boys & Girls Club Big Island
Big Island Gazette | September 21, 2020
Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island Serves 100,000 Meals to Families in Need
KHON2 | September 17, 2020
Health Director Responds to Senator’s Request on COVID Cluster
Big Island Gazette | September 4, 2020
Tusli Gabbard's Time In Congress Is Almost Up: What's Next?
The National Interest | August 13, 2020
At The Races: That’s The ticket
Roll Call | August 13, 2020
Democrat Kai Kahele Wins Hawaii Primary: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Heavy | August 10, 2020
Kai Kahele Wins HI Congressional Primary
Democracy Now | August 10, 2020
Hawaii Democrats tap Kai Kahele for Tulsi Gabbard’s House Seat
Roll Call | August 9, 2020
Democrat Kai Kahele Wins Hawaii Primary to Replace Tulsi Gabbard
The Hill | August 9, 2020
Post-Primary Election Talk with Kai Kahele
Big Island Video News | August 9, 2020
Kahele Wins Hawaii Democratic Primary for Gabbard's Seat
New York Times (AP) | August 9, 2020
United States Congress: Ed Case, Kai Kahele Claim Easy Victories in Congressional Race
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | August 9, 2020
Kai Kahele and Joe Akana Head to General Election for U.S. House District II Seat
KHON2 | August 8, 2020
Kai Kahele Easily Wins Democratic Primary for 2nd Congressional Seat
Hawaii News Now | August 8, 2020
Kahele Wins Democratic Primary, Moves On to General Election
Big Island Now | August 8, 2020
Kahele Wins Hawaii Democratic Primary for Gabbard's Seat
Associated Press | August 8, 2020
US House: Kahele, Case Poised To Win Primaries
Honolulu Civil Beat | August 8, 2020
Voters Poised to Send 2nd Native Hawaiian to Congress
Indian Country Today | August 8, 2020
Hawaii State Democratic Sen. Kahele Favored to Succeed Gabbard
Bloomberg Government | August 7, 2020
Case, Kahele Raised $1.4 Million Despite a Lack of Competition
Honolulu Civil Beat | August 6, 2020
Only 1 Major Candidate Running to Succeed Gabbard
The Garden Island (AP) | August 6, 2020
Hawai‘i 2020 Primary Election Offers Voters Choices for Mayor, Prosecutor and More
Honolulu Magazine | August 5, 2020
Only 1 Major Candidate Running to Succeed Gabbard
Washington Post (AP) | August 3, 2020
Kai Kahele Only Major Candidate Running to Succeed Gabbard
Hawaii Tribune Herald (AP) | August 3, 2020
Super PAC Spends $188K to Get Kahele to Congress
Honolulu Civil Beat | July 29, 2020
New Super PACs Pour Money Into Honolulu Races
Honolulu Civil Beat | July 28, 2020
MauiTime 2020 Primary Election Candidate Guide
MauiTime | July 28, 2020
At Least 21 Shipping Containers Fall Off Young Brothers Barge
Hawaii Tribune Herald | July 23, 2020
Hawaii’s Economy at the Forefront for Congressional Candidates
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | July 19, 2020
Kahele Traveling a Gilded Political Fast Lane to Washington
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | July 12, 2020
Kahele Can't Campaign for Congress Right Now. Does It Matter?
Honolulu Civil Beat | July 6, 2020
Human Rights Campaign Endorsed Non-incumbents in Democratic-held Seats, Including Kai Kahele
Metroweekly | June 10, 2020
Hawaii Elections 2020 Guide — State Sen. Kai Kahele is Seeking to Replace U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in CD2
Honolulu Civil Beat | June 3, 2020
First in Score — Endorsement Corner — The Human Rights Campaign
Politico | June 3, 2020
With No Serious Rivals, Kai Kahele is Now Overwhelming Favorite to Succeed Tulsi Gabbard in Congress
Daily Kos | June 3, 2020
Kahele Receives Endorsement From Hirono
Damon Tucker | June 1, 2020
Sen. Kahele Participating in Legislative Session While on FT National Guard Duty
Damon Tucker | May 12, 2020
Sen. Kahele Called to National Guard Duty During COVID-19 Response
Big Island Video News | April 15, 2020
The Daily Kos Elections Morning Digest
Daily Kos | April 15, 2020
Sen. Kahele Goes to the Guard
KWXX | April 14, 2020
Kai Kahele Taking Break from Campaigning to Volunteer for Active Duty
Indian Country Today | April 14, 2020
Hawaii House Candidate Kai Kahele Endorsed by Brian Schatz as He's Called Up for Duty to Fight COVID
Daily Kos | April 14, 2020
Senator Kai Kahele Activated in Hawaii National Guard Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
KITV 4 News | April 14, 2020
Senator Kahele Activated for Hawai‘i National Guard Duty in COVID-19 Response
Hawaii State Senate Majority | April 14, 2020
Kahele Wins Key Endorsements for Congress
Honolulu Civil Beat | April 14, 2020
Senator Kai Kahele Answers Call for Active Duty with Hawai‘i National Guard in COVID-19 Response
Maui Now | April 14, 2020
Sen. Kahele Called to Hawai‘i Air National Guard Active Duty for COVID-19 Response
Damon Tucker | April 14, 2020
Sen. Kahele Files Official Papers for Congressional District 2 Seat
Damon Tucker | April 13, 2020
Hawaii Men’s Volleyball: State Sen., UH Alumnus Kai Kahele Reflects on Unlikely Journey
Hawaii Warrior World | January 27, 2020
Tulsi Gabbard on Trump impeachment: 'I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no'
USA Today | December 19, 2019
Gabbard Casts Lone ‘Present’ Vote on President Trump’s Impeachment
Hawaii News Now | December 18, 2019
Senator Kai Kahele Issues Statement Regarding Vote to Impeach President Trump
KITV4 | December 18, 2019
Hawaii Sen. Kai Kahele Finds Money, Connections in DC
Honolulu Civil Beat | November 25, 2019
Sen. Kahele Moves From Underdog to Front Runner for 2nd Congressional Dist. Seat
KITV4 | November 25, 2019
Who is Going to Replace Tulsi? Money Flows to Federal Campaigns
Hawaii Tribune Herald | November 17, 2019
Former Kauai Mayor Endorses Kahele
The Garden Island | November 16, 2019
Congressional Race Likely to Get Crowded
West Hawaii Today | October 27, 2019
Kai Kahele Responds to News that Tulsi Gabbard Will Not Run for Congressional Re-election
KHON2 | October 24, 2019
Tulsi Gabbard's Clinton Clash Sparks Speculation About Her Political Future
CNN | October 21, 2019
Kahele Campaign Donations Spike Amid Gabbard-Clinton Feud
KITV4 | October 20, 2019
State Sen. Kai Kahele Criticizes Tulsi Gabbard for Missing House Vote on Syria
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | October 16, 2019
Federal Campaign Filings Show Gabbard Has Raised Another $3 Million
Honolulu Civil Beat | October 15, 2019
One War Veteran Eyes the White House, the Other Her House Seat
Navy Times | October 12, 2019
Kai Kahele Applauds US House On Impeachment Move
Honolulu Civil Beat | September 26, 2019
Farewell, Swalwell: As One 2020 Democrat Drops Out, Will Others Follow?
The New York Times | July 08, 2019
Presidential Candidates Hear Challengers' Footsteps at Home
The Hill | July 08, 2019
In His Father’s Footsteps
Midweek | June 04, 2019
Kahele for Congress Releases First Quarter Fundraising Results
Big Island Now | April 08, 2019
Sen. Kai Kahele says he’s raised $250K for run at U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s seat
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | April 08, 2019
Sen. Kai Kahele Says He’s Raised $250,000 to Challenge Tulsi Gabbard
Honolulu Civil Beat | April 08, 2019
Pod Squad: Kai Kahele Is Already Running For Congress. Here’s Why
Honolulu Civil Beat | February 19, 2019
Sen. Kai Kahele Announces Candidacy for Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District
Maui Now | February 02, 2019
Tulsi Gabbard's Values Are Out of Step, But We Have a Much Better Progressive Choice in Kai Kahele
Daily Kos | January 24, 2019
Hawai‘i State Sen. Kai Kahele Announces Run for Congress
Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Youtube) | January 21, 2019
Hawai‘i State Sen. Kai Kahele Officially Announces 2020 bid for Congress
Honolulu Star-Advertiser | January 21, 2019
Kahele to Run Against Gabbard for Seat in Congress
Hawaii News Now | January 21, 2019
State Sen. Kai Kahele Announces Bid for Congress, Challenging U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard
KITV4 | January 22, 2019
State Sen. Kai Kahele, D-Hilo, Announces He's Running for Congress
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Youtube) | January 21, 2019
Hawai‘i State Senator to Announce Bid for Gabbard's House Seat in 2020: Report
The Hill | January 19, 2019