The Candidate Filing Process

1. Eligibility

   • You must be a U.S. citizen.

   • You must be a resident of Hawai’i.

   • You must meet the age requirements for the specific office you are seeking. For example, to run for the Hawai’i State House of Representatives, you must be at least 18 years old.

2. Choose the Office

   • Decide which political office you want to run for, such as Mayor, Governor, State Legislature, or County Council. Make sure you are eligible for that specific office.

3. Party Affiliation

   • Decide if you want to run as a candidate of a political party or as an independent candidate. In Hawai’i, you can register as a member of a political party or run as a nonpartisan candidate for some offices.

4. Nomination Process

   • If you choose to run as a candidate of a political party, you will typically need to participate in the party's nomination process, which could involve caucuses, conventions, or primary elections. Check with your chosen party for their specific requirements and procedures.

5. Filing Requirements

   • Obtain and complete the necessary candidacy forms and documents. These forms can typically be obtained from the Hawai’i Office of Elections website or your county clerk's office.

6. Gather Signatures

   • Depending on the office you are running for, you may need to gather a specific number of signatures from registered voters in your district to qualify for the ballot. Check the specific signature requirements for your office and district.

7. Pay Filing Fees

   • There are filing fees associated with running for political office in Hawai’i. These fees vary depending on the office and the level of government. Be prepared to pay these fees when submitting your candidacy documents.

8. Submit Candidacy Documents

   • Submit your completed nomination papers, along with any required signatures and fees, to the appropriate election office or county clerk's office.

9. Campaign Finance Reporting

   • Familiarize yourself with campaign finance laws and regulations in Hawai’i. You will likely need to register a campaign committee, report campaign contributions and expenses, and comply with campaign finance disclosure requirements.

10. Campaign

• Once you are officially a candidate, you can start campaigning to build support and gain votes. Follow all campaign rules and regulations to ensure a fair and transparent election process.

Then get endorsed and supported by HULI PAC, win, and be the change we need!

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Running for Office

Launching a campaign for public office requires commitment, a dedicated team, direct voter engagement, financial adherence, and resourceful, cost-effective planning. The journey starts small but, with perseverance, has the potential to make real impacts.

Making the Commitment

The first step involves a firm commitment—a declaration to your immediate circles that you’re running for a political position. Once made, there's no turning back. It's a dedicated sprint for the next 14 months.

Building Your Foundation

Starting with family and friends, the process of building a team begins. Grassroots movements, when initiated early and pursued persistently, can outpace well-funded establishment candidates.

The Power of Face-to-Face Campaigning

Money for glossy mailers is advantageous, but direct voter interaction—knocking on doors, engaging in conversations, and actively listening to the district's residents—truly wins elections. Meeting voters multiple times and taking note of their concerns significantly impacts their vote.

Crafting a Representative Campaign

A successful team mirrors the diversity of the district. Initially modest, the team consists of individuals who believe in the candidate's vision and have the time to contribute—whether it's door-knocking, social media, or design work.

Navigating Campaign Fundamentals

Before any spending, compliance with the state Campaign Spending Commission is imperative. A meticulous treasurer is vital for managing finances and adhering to reporting requirements.

Starting Small, Thinking Big

Begin with a basic campaign setup: a brochure, a simple website showcasing the candidate’s background, and visuals demonstrating broad support. While later expenses will include yard signs and advertising, the initial costs remain minimal.

Resourcefulness in Team Formation

Leverage available skill. Consider retired individuals or those with available time for valuable for roles such as campaign management or treasurer.

For more information, please read these articles by Gary Hooser of HAPA: