Partners for Democracy is a non-partisan civic leadership development program designed for emerging leaders who have a passion for political advocacy and a desire to bring about change in Hawai‘i. This program teaches how to develop and execute successful political and public policy advocacy campaigns for those interested in running for elected office or advocating for economic, community, and social issues.
Partners for Democracy is a civic leadership program sponsored by Pacific Resource Partnership, Hawaii’s leading labor-management organization representing over 6,500 working members from the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters and more than 200 contractors who employ Hawaii union workers.
We identify and support current and future leaders who are willing to participate in the civic process and find solutions to the critical issues facing Hawaii. We empower these leaders with the training, tools, resources, and support necessary to develop and implement forward-thinking public policy that ensures Hawaii’s workers and families can live and thrive in the place they call home.
By cultivating enlightened, proactive civic leaders who will challenge the status quo and champion real solutions to address the most pressing issues we face, we can ensure Hawaii remains a place for everyone who lives here, not just the privileged few.
We offer a best-in-class learning experience that teaches current and emerging Hawaii civic leaders the art of developing and executing successful political and public policy advocacy campaigns—through classroom instruction, issues awareness programs, networking and relationship building opportunities, and hands-on work study.
Email us at hello@partnersfordemocracyhi.com if any further questions. Mahalo!
Born and raised on Hawaii Island in the District of Puna, Christian Kapono Pa – known to most as simply “Pono” – grew up on his family’s farms in Kea‘au and Pepe‘ekeo, where they produced bananas, tomatoes, and cucumbers for state-wide consumption. Pono is a Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi graduate (Class of 2008) and a former Business and Performing Arts Major of the University of Hawaiʻi – Hilo. He is currently a real estate broker and Broker-in-Charge at Savio Realty, Ltd. in Pahoa, where he has had his license since 2013. Pono has a passion for politics and government affairs, in how policymaking plans for, shapes, and designs the community in which he lives and serves. He has been a chairperson for the Hawaiʻi Island REALTORS® Government Affairs Committee, a Past-President of the association (2018), and a recipient of the association’s REALTOR® of the Year Award (2020). He is also a member of the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce where he serves as a chairperson for the Young Professionals Recognition Gala Committee which selects and honors some of the island’s best and brightest business professionals aged 21 to 40. In his (limited) free time, Pono enjoys golfing and fishing, and spending time with his partner and their two-year old dachshund – Sakura.