UHPA Continued Support of Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke

When we make an error, we own up to it, course correct, and move forward. This is what integrity looks like.

Integrity in action is infrequent so it is refreshing and welcoming to see this when it does happen. Some who are unaccustomed to that degree of honesty and transparency do not know how to interpret such candid disclosures.

We watched this unfold during the recent self-disclosures by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke about campaign contribution recording errors, which were corrected with an amended filing submitted to the Hawai‘i Campaign Spending Commission. Lt. Gov. Luke also announced her resolve to avoid the same mistakes by contracting a professional team to manage those meticulous details, some of which has already begun to take place.

Any candidate in a major race with an influx of contributions from multiple donors knows this can happen to anyone, and filing amendments is part of the check and balance process.  

Separately, we also witnessed the second in command of our state publicly share that she did not accept any bribes. We believe her. 

LG Luke has a long-standing track record as a no-nonsense, straight-shooting legislator and former chair for the House Finance Committee, and there is no reason to believe she is not being truthful with the public.

University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) faculty members are not politically naïve. We recognize there are many opportunistic and politically ambitious individuals who will take advantage of this situation and declare their intention to run for Lieutenant Governor. Anyone can run, but we urge caution to ensure good politicians are not unfairly alienated. 

We are glad Gov. Josh Green and State Attorney General Anne Lopez are committed to completing a thorough investigation into this issue within the next few weeks. This will help address the community’s concerns and put to rest any lingering questions about what may have happened and who may have been involved. It is information that voters deserve to have and will be key to restoring public trust of elected government officials.

UHPA’s continued support of the Lt. Governor reflects our commitment to sound government, and we stand in solidarity with other unions who share these values. On June 19, 2025, the UHPA Board of Directors unanimously approved its Legislative Action Committeeʻs recommendation to endorse Sylvia Luke for another run and term for Lt. Governor in 2026.  That action of the Board remains unchanged and unaffected.

Recent events have highlighted actions by certain public officials that have not advanced the best interests of the University of Hawaiʻi nor our State as a whole.  In response, it is important that UHPA remains focused on building relationships with and supporting public officials who have consistently recognized the value of the University and have supported its mission, its people, and its vital role in serving Hawaiʻi with integrity, dignity, and respect.

What happens over the next few weeks and months will allow us to see what Hawai‘i is made of. Can we rise to the challenges that are presented to us to uphold democracy at a time when our country so desperately needs this? Or will we succumb to the current state of politics as usual and wonder why voter apathy plagues our state? 

Karla HayashiUHPA

Board President

Christian L. FernUHPA

Executive Director

Original statement at uhpa.org