I’m sad to report that three State Committee Officer elections remain unresolved, now two full weeks past the Convention. Although I, and two other members of the State Executive Committee called for a meeting last week to address this and many other issues, that meeting remains unscheduled. I will continue to advocate for a solution that treats these elections as the run-offs that they are instead of vacancies as suggested by others. This in turn will ensure that the Delegates elected and appointed to make this decision will have their voice, instead of leaving it to the State Committee to decide.
As I mentioned last week, I will also advocate for a “post-mortem” meeting so that we can take an objective look at what did and didn’t work with the convention, with a goal of increasing transparency and communication and improving the experience for all. Codifying a process into our Standing Rules will allow us to start planning the next convention with a proven solution and then make iterative improvements to it after each future event.
Looking forward, we will begin organizing the various volunteer positions discussed previously. This has been delayed due to the unexpected time constraints resulting from the preparation for Convention, with the associated Rules Committee work that was required.
Lastly, Honolulu County will continue advocating for the much-needed updates to the HRP Rules so that we collectively improve the Party, ensure due-process for those accused of inappropriate actions, and make decisions at the appropriate Committee.
We have so many people pushing hard across the county to improve our State and our Party. I want to periodically spotlight this great work as a way to thank those folks and also encourage others to get involved.
This week’s Honolulu County Spotlight shines on Nolan Chang!
Nolan is from District 19 and holds multiple positions there to help build out and influence the area.
At Honolulu County, Nolan was elected to be Regional Vice Chair (RVC) for East Honolulu. As one of five RVCs, Nolan serves as mentor for 7 Districts — attending their monthly meetings, building relationships and networks, suggesting improvements, and sharing information and lessons learned.
Additionally, Nolan is spearheading an effort to create a video production capability at the county level. He has reached out to Olelo for training on specific equipment and is also coordinating with other teams in Hawaii that do similar productions for their personal use.
The capability that Nolan envisions will allow the county to create professional-looking training material, cover important county events for publication to social media, and serve as a resource to candidates as they seek election to office.
Nolan’s focus is on unity. His vision is to bring various groups to the same table to talk through differences and provide a united front moving forward.
As my friend Ola Souza, Chair, District 19 is noted for saying: “Your vote is not enough. We also need your time and your treasure, in order to win elections.” Nolan epitomizes this spirit of commitment and serves as an example of what the Party needs from all of us!
Thank you, Nolan, for your spirit of volunteerism and for your forward-looking ideas!
Steve
(Help me “catch people doing great things!” Please email me your observations as you see great things happening on Oahu! steve.lipscomb@outlook.com)
2023 County Calendar
Wednesday May 24
Kaneohe Business Group is hosting Senator Brenton Awa for their monthly luncheon at Big City Diner, Wed, May 24.
Beginning 7pm at 1415 Malauwai St. Pearl City, HI 96782. For more information contact District Chair Sharon Toyomura, (808) 369-5735 or masae626b@yahoo.com.
