Philip Martin

Philip Martin (also known as Kawika) ran for election for an at-large seat of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Martin lost in the primary on August 8, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am seeking the position of OHA At‑Large Trustee to confront government stagnation and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Hawaiʻi. I support establishing a Guaranteed Work Program and Rapid Restoration Corps to provide stable employment while restoring ʻāina, improving water systems, and strengthening cultural resources. Government delays create hardship, so I believe OHA should advocate for increased staffing in critical agencies to reduce backlogs in housing, permits, and essential services. I support developing new communities guided by cultural practitioners, whose responsibility is to ensure respect for sacred lands and thoughtful planning. These communities should offer free or deeply subsidized housing and long‑term jobs, rather than concentrating more condos in already crowded areas. I also support stronger judicial oversight to reduce corruption and address systemic failures that have caused harm. I will build systems that function, create opportunities that uplift, and focus on practical solutions for Hawaiʻi’s future.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The biggest problem is government inaction: permits that sit for years, directives are ignored, and agencies are unable to act because they lack staff. In my first six months, I’ll focus on fixing these failures with a Guaranteed Work Initiative building a trained workforce that can step in where the system stalls and finally move long‑delayed projects forward.This Guaranteed Work Initiative ties together health, food security, climate resilience, community strength, and economic stability. It supports small farms, restores watersheds, training health workers, expands local food systems, strengthens small communities, and reduces the burden on courts by addressing root causes of harm. Health is not just medical care, it is food, land, work, safety, and community.OHA should require the transfer of lands not essential to military missions, while prioritizing the protection and return of sacred lands. Federal land‑disposition rules (10 U.S.C. § 2687) allow this. Hawaiʻi has long received less than fair value, so we must demand independent, transparent valuation and renegotiate with strong environmental safeguards.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Guaranteed Work Initiative, Paid family leave, food security, livable wages, public transportation, and SNAP are all essential parts of a healthy society. Everyone should have access to medical care, local produce, school meals, and transit services, not just those who qualify under narrow rules. Every dollar spent on snap puts two dollars into local economies, and every dollar spent on public transportation generates five dollars in economic return. So, are we really going to continue to listen to the people who say public services should operate as a business and turn a profit? The profit is expanded access to jobs and health services which in turn ensures people have the stability and support needed to thrive.