Pacific Resource Partnership welcomes new ‘Partners for Democracy’ cohort
The second cohort of Partners for Democracy (P4D), a civic program that develops the talents of young local leaders, was inducted in June by Pacific Resource Partnership.
Members of Partners for Democracy’s second cohort gather at the Alohilani Resort for its first meeting on June 30 and July 1. (PHOTO COURTESY DANSON HONDA / PACIFIC RESOURCE PARTNERSHIP)

Brett Alexander-Estes

The second cohort of Partners for Democracy (P4D), a civic program that develops the talents of young local leaders, was inducted in June by Pacific Resource Partnership. PRP, a nonprofit, represents the more than 6,000 members of the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters and 240 diverse contractors.

The cohort’s comprehensive nine-month program (June 30 to the end of March) features presentations by civic leaders including Christine Pelosi, a national political strategist, Hawai‘l Gov. Josh Green, Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami and former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Topics and discussions will focus on current issues impacting public policy, political campaign fundamentals, voter and media engagement and sound governance. 

“Hawai‘i’s prosperity is directly linked to our next generation of local leaders,” said Pacific Resource Partnership Interim Executive Director Kyle Chock in a release. “The goal of Partners for Democracy is to engage, excite and motivate this next group of Hawai‘i residents by building a strong foundation in public policy and increasing their knowledge about the issues that will determine the quality of life for the people of our state — now and well into the future.” 

Thirty Hawai‘i’ residents make up this year’s cohort, and were selected through a rigorous application process that included a written essay, interviews and a review of their contributions to local communities. On completing P4D this year, some participants may be offered placement in a local or mainland campaign and other opportunities. Several graduates of last year’s inaugural P4D cohort went on to win local political office or became key staff and cabinet members for elected officials at the state and county level.

Members of P4D’s 2023 cohort include:

  • Luana Alapa
  • Danielle Bass
  • Mark Anthony Clemente
  • David Cho
  • Erin Conway
  • Shotaro Dabbs
  • Cameron Deptula
  • Brenden Kinoshita
  • Trish La Chica
  • Trey Gordner
  • Danson Honda
  • Kamalani Johnson
  • Julian Juarez
  • Joshua Laguana
  • Michael Lee
  • Richmond Luzar
  • C. Mokihana Maldonado
  • Khriscel Mina
  • Wayne Miyashiro
  • Kauionalani Navas-Colburn
  • Cindy Ng
  • Kiyohide Noguchi
  • Jacob Perry
  • Matthew Popovich
  • Philippe Roque
  • Ian Ross
  • Cori Terayama
  • Tiara Rivera Trotter
  • Jessica Valdez

Related Images:

More articles