On Sept. 30, Election-America released the names of about 200 individuals who have been deemed qualified to campaign for the upcoming Naʻi Aupuni election.

This election will look to select 40 individuals, based on the current geographic distribution of population within the Roll Commission’s current registry, to serve as delegates at the upcoming ʻaha. This ʻaha will convene to decide whether to create a document or constitution for a nation and its governance. Any document, constitution or structure developed at the ‘aha may be voted upon in a referendum by registered Hawaiian voters.

For the island of Oahu, there are more than 100 candidates, including myself, vying for the 20 seats designated for the island. Yes, there are a number of well-known candidates, but the decisions of the ‘aha will affect my generation the most. If this is the beginning of a nation-building process, we need candidates who will bring the agenda of my generation to the forefront of this ʻaha. I am the voice of the newest generation.

This process has received much criticism from many kānaka who oppose the processes set forth by OHA (the Kanaʻiolowalu Roll Call) and this election of delegates for an ʻaha by Naʻi Aupuni. Opponents argue that because these initiatives were started by the “State” of Hawaii and not by the Hawaiian people, they do not reflect the true views of the lāhui. But we must ensure that the well being of future generations is honored, should any type of nation-building moves forward.

Although I may not have decades of experiences like some of my fellow candidates, I do have a lot that I will offer to the ʻaha.

I am a college student who brings an entirely new and youthful perspective to different issues, something that cannot be found in some older candidates. Through my studies at the university, I have surrounded myself with a community of scholars who are focused on Native Hawaiians and the current issues that we face. I have been educated on a number of important issues that will certainly be addressed at the upcoming ʻaha. As a student, I bring with me a willingness to learn from others and a goal of gaining as much experience as I can move forward.

I bring to the table a perspective of someone who grew up in a generation learning the language, the history and the traditions of our kūpuna. I am able to bring to the ʻaha a well-rounded Hawaiian world view that is grounded in our culture. Being grounded in these things will allow me to make well-informed decisions based on the teachings of our kūpuna. If we are to rebuild a nation, we must first start with reclaiming our language, history and traditions.

I bring to the table a perspective of someone who grew up in a generation learning the language, the history and the traditions of our kūpuna. I am able to bring to the ʻaha a well-rounded Hawaiian world view that is grounded in our culture.

I am a 20-year-old student who has experience living and working in Washington, D.C. I have been exposed to federal policies and processes on Capitol Hill. I am aware of the various pieces of federal legislation that have a direct impact on Native Hawaiian programs. I have also worked with various Native American tribes and organizations who have a lot to offer our lāhui on how we approach potential nation-building processes. Whether we like it or not, Washington, D.C., will have an impact on what goes on in Hawaii, and having someone like me serving as a delegate, with an established network of contacts, would be nothing but beneficial.

More importantly, I have first-hand experience on the many struggles that kānaka in our lāhui face. I have grown up on Hawaiian Homelands to parents who have worked hard but continued to struggle to make ends meet. I have been surrounded by friends and family who continually suffer from the disparities that plague our people.

Yet despite these challenging circumstances that I have faced, I have shown that I have the ability to overcome any obstacle presented to me. I am confident because I am guided by the ʻike and naʻauao of our kūpuna. It is through the guidance of my kūpuna that I feel that I am ready and qualified to serve our people as a delegate in the ʻaha.

My goal in the election is simple: I want to be the voice of the thousands of kānaka, who are not yet able to represent themselves in these types of capacities. I want to ensure that when major decisions are made, that the voices of our ʻōpio are present at the table.

This ʻaha will have a directly impact my generation of Native Hawaiians, so I want to ensure that the wel lbeing of future generations are at the forefront of these discussions.

Electing me to this ʻaha is an investment for our future.