The Maui News

KAHULUI–The Democratic Party of Hawai’i’s 2024 Convention concluded on the evening of May 18. Over 400 delegates gathered online and in-person at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikīkī cast votes to adopt various resolutions, amend the Party’s Constitution and Bylaws, select the delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and the Party’s four Presidential Electors for the November presidential election.

The delegates also elected Derek Turbin as the Democratic Party of Hawai’i’s 2024-2026 Chair, succeeding State Representative Adrian Tam who has served as Interim Party Chair since December 2023.

The Party’s 2024-2026 Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary will be elected at a meeting of the State Central Committee to be held on Zoom at 6:00PM on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Derek’s passion for the Democratic Party started at a young age. In his teenage years, he became an active member of the party through his parents, Rai Saint Chu and Richard Turbin.

“I am honored to be elected as the new Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i. Mahalo to all the candidates wishing to serve our party,” said Turbin. “Show up. Dive In. Persevere. Join our cause as we look to the future and fight for our Democratic values.”

The delegates voted to approve 34 out of 35 resolutions brought forward by the Convention’s Resolutions Committee, covering topics ranging from campaign finance reform, protecting water resources, and environmental concerns such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle and PFAS exposure. One of the resolutions was not approved.

The delegates also voted to approve a slate of amendments to the Party’s Constitution and Bylaws, including a requirement that future votes at State Conventions be done by Ranked Choice Voting, establishing a standing Party-Run Presidential Primary Committee to prepare for future presidential elections, and increasing financial support for the four county party organizations.

The Democratic Party of Hawai’i also elected 28 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, including State Representative Adrian Tam, State Representative Jeanné Kapela, and Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam.

The delegates also chose the Party’s Presidential Electors, who will be called upon to cast their Electoral College votes if Hawai’i votes for the Democratic Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates in the November general election. The four electors are John Bickle, Roth Puahala, Osa Tui Jr., and Michael Golojuch Jr. and the four alternates are Larry Meacham, Jean Dobashi, Candace Shaw, and Carole Mandryk.