Hoku PAC, a new Hawaii-based political action committee, went live on Saturday with a direct mission: boost candidates who identify as mahu, support others in the LGBTQIA+ community, and push for state constitutional changes and public policies that strengthen equality and civil rights. Organizers say the PAC will target county and state races where they believe mahu and LGBTQIA+ representation still falls short.
Hoku PAC formally launched on Saturday, naming Michael Golojuch Jr. as president and founder and Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego as treasurer, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The nonpartisan committee plans to support mahu and LGBTQIA+ candidates and their allies, and to advocate for constitutional amendments and public policies that advance equality and civil rights. Organizers said the PAC responds to recent elections and a demand for leaders who prioritize inclusion.
Who's behind Hoku PAC
Michael Golojuch Jr. is a longtime community organizer and civil rights advocate with experience in labor and LGBTQ initiatives. The AFL-CIO recognized his leadership with Pride at Work Hawaiʻi, and Hawaii Public Radio highlighted his efforts to strengthen hate-crime reporting. Organizers say his connections are central to Hoku PAC’s candidate recruitment and training strategy.
What Hoku PAC wants to do
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that Hoku PAC says it empowers mahu and LGBTQIA+ candidates and their allies running for county and state offices. The group will advocate for amendments and policies that “defend the civil rights of all our people, including our mahu and LGBTQIA+ ohana.” Leaders said the PAC aims to ensure elected officials reflect these values and prioritize candidates who campaign on inclusion and equity.
How Hoku PAC fits into Hawaii politics
Hoku PAC enters a crowded field of noncandidate committees already operating in Hawaii, and, like those groups, it must register and file organizational and periodic disclosure reports with the state. The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission provides the online portals and deadlines these committees must follow, and its public records will be the main way voters and reporters track any fundraising or spending by the new PAC. Those filings will reveal whether Hoku PAC’s support shows up as endorsements, direct financial backing or ad buys in upcoming races.
Organizers say Hoku PAC will quickly begin fundraising and recruiting candidates, with early endorsements and financial disclosures appearing in public reports. The committee’s launch marks a focused effort to expand mahu and LGBTQIA+ representation in Hawaii’s county and state offices.
