Courtesy photo: Keʻeaumoku Kapu. 

Maui resident Ke’eaumoku Kapu has announced his candidacy for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Maui Trustee seat.

Kapu says he is a committed cultural leader with a singular goal: “We need to empower our communities to become the rightful decision makers in Hawaiʻi also through the legislative body of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.”

According to his campaign, “Kapu’s 22-years of experience on boards and commissions has prepared him for this key position of leadership. His service record attests to his qualifications as a chief cultural advisor, practitioner and activist for Kanaka Maoli.”

For the past 18 years, Kapu has served as advisor and counsel to Nā Papa Kanaka O Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaiʻi Island.

He has also contributed to various local organizations throughout the years, including: National Association for Interpretations; Pohai O Kamehameha; In Celebration of Canoes, Lahaina; Cultural Consultant, Friends of Mokuʻula; Hui O Waʻa Kaulua, former President, Vice Chair and Director; State of Hawaiʻi Burial Council; Maui Lānaʻi Island Burial Council; Maui County Cultural Resources Commission; Director and Founder of Kuleana Kuʻikahi LLC; Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council; Chairperson, for the Native Hawaiian Historic Preservation Council for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Founder and Cultural Consultant to Hawaiian Outreach Economic Association, Inc.; Nā Aikane o Maui Cultural Center, Lahaina; and Aha Moku o Maui. Inc.

“I am very confident that with skilled leadership and strategic resource management, we can reach our beneficiaries with the tools for success that are rightfully ours. I will make this my priority,” Kapu said.