HNN: Rich, controversial PAC backing Kawakami in lieutenant governor race
- Apr 2
- 1 min read
Hawaii News Now
April 1, 2026
A political action committee (PAC) formed by the carpenters union and Pacific Resource Partnership has begun spending money to support Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami in the lieutenant governor race, drawing criticism from incumbent Sylvia Luke.
The PAC, known as “For a Better Tomorrow,” has already spent about $75,000 in television time and an undisclosed amount for production of the 30-second commercial. The committee has more than $12 million available.
The ads use Kawakami’s own words from his state of the county address, where he touted accomplishments.
“We face floods. A global pandemic in challenges that pushed us further than we ever thought we could go,” Kawakami said in the commercial.
Hawaii News Now political analyst, University of Hawaii Professor Colin Moore, said the Kawakami needed the help to build positive recognition.
“I think the impact is significant,” Moore said. “Where I think money can often be the most influential is when you’re taking a candidate who’s relatively unknown and introducing him to voters.”
Luke criticizes PAC tactics
“It almost feels like we’re running against not a specific opponent, we’re running against PRP again,” Luke said.
The PAC has changed its name since 2022 from Be Change Now to “For a Better Tomorrow,” but it is the same players — the carpenters union and PRP. Luke accused the group of smearing her with a million-dollar campaign in 2022 while spending another $3 million boosting Ikaika Anderson. Luke’s victory was seen as a repudiation of the PAC’s tactics.
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