Democratic Party of Hawaii
Encyclopedia
The Democratic Party of Hawaii is an arm of the Democratic Party of the United States based in Honolulu, Hawaii
. The party is a centralized organization established to promote the party platform as drafted in convention biennially. It is also charged with registering voters and delivering voter turnout through county organizations for Hawaii County
, Kauai County
, Maui County
and the City and County of Honolulu
. The Hawaii Democratic Party maintained political control of the state government in Hawaii for over forty years, from 1962 to 2002.
State level organizational meetings are held at the precinct, district, county, and state level, biennially, during even-numbered years. The party adheres to a complex set of bylaws that addresses eligibility for membership, election of officers, holding conventions, and recruiting delegates to represent the party at conventions. A minimum of two delegates are required from each precinct, with an equal number of men and women, as required by its gender-equality policy. While there is no permanent location for state conventions, nearly all of them have been held on the island of Oahu (the most populated) since 1960.
Following the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the Reform Party of Hawaii seized control of government and intended to annex the Hawaii
to the United States. But the U.S. had transitioned from an expansionist Republican
, President Benjamin Harrison
to Democratic
President Grover Cleveland
who demanded the Kingdom to be restored. After failing to annex Hawaii, the Republic of Hawaii
was established and the Reform Party was converted into the American Union Party. Under the Republic, Hawaii became a single-party state
by severe restrictions on voting and freedom of expression all opposition parties were driven out of existence. After annexation by Republican President William McKinley
the Reformers became affiliated with the Republican Party for their support of Hawaii’s annexation in contrast to the Democrat’s opposition. The American Union Party became the regional Republican Party in Hawaii leaving the Democratic Party for any opposition group.
quarantine in Honolulu. The meeting brought together five men: John H. Wilson, son of Marshal of the Kingdom Charles B. Wilson; John S. McGrew, a doctor and supporter of Kalākaua
; Charles J. McCarthy
, a saloon owner and former Honolulu Rifle
; David Kawānanakoa
, prince of the House of Kawānanakoa
; and Delbert E. Metzger, an engineer from Kaua'i. The group believed that it was necessary for a party in Hawaii, now a region of the US, to have a national counterpart to survive and established the Democratic Party of Hawaii. The intention of the party was to promote Jeffersonian philosophy, home rule
, and attempted to appeal as the party of President Cleveland. The first convention of the Democratic Party of Hawaii was held May 16 that year and was attended by 500 people. Later that year, Kawānanakoa attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention
in Kansas City
, becoming the first royal attendee. At the convention Kawānanakoa formed an affiliation between the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Democratic Party of the United States
.
became the most popular. Republicans who had been rejected for the unpopular overthrow of the monarchy and promotion of white supremacy, offered a coalition
between the Democrats and Republicans. Democrats refused the offer and Home Rule Party came to power. But the election of 1900 was based more on animosity toward the Republican Party for dethroning the monarchy than the Home Rule Party’s functionality once in power. Due to the extremism of the Home Rule they were ineffective, similarly the Democrats were also consumed with infighting. The following elections voters perceive little difference between the internal strife of the Democratic Party and the Home Rule Party. Since the 1900 elections Republicans, the only organized party, had formed the Haole-Hawaiian Alliance a deal with former Home Rule members that left the infighting and the Republicans regained power. In the subsequent years Democrats supported the stronger Home Rule Party until it dissolved in 1912. The party managed to elect a mayors like Joseph J. Fern
and Wilson and several other positions but maintained a weak reputation throughout the territorial years
. Among the issues was that offices under leadership positions were frequently held by Republicans, despite democrats achieving leadership positions they had limited powers especially against Republican policies.
of powerful sugar corporations
called the Big Five
effectively controlled government in the Hawaiian Islands
making hundreds of millions of dollars in profits. The oligarchy of Castle & Cooke, Alexander & Baldwin, C. Brewer & Co., Amfac, and Theo H. Davies & Co. worked in favor of the Hawaii Republican Party
. The plantations needed labor and the Native Hawaiian population was insufficient to fill the demand so immigrants from around the world such as Puerto Rico, Korea, and most particularly Japan and the Philippines were brought to Hawaii. In response to the flood of immigrants Democrats became more nativist
. Democrats like McCarthy and Oren Long
pushed a compromised of allowing migrant worker
s that would eventually return to where they came from rather than establish themselves in Hawaii.
The 1932 Massie-Kahahawai Cases
were a seminal event that fortified the political will of territorial citizens against the administration of Republican Governor Lawrence M. Judd
, who commuted the sentence of socialite Grace Fortescue, convicted of manslaughter in the death of Joseph Kahahawai
to one-hour of exchanging pleasantries in his executive chambers. Democrats were able to used the anti-Republican sentiment to win some seats in the legislature in 1932 and Lincoln McCandless
used it to become congressman. But due to continuous infighting Democrats ultimately squandered the anti-Republican momentum.
stance, resulting in anti-Asian sentiments based on fears Asian American
s would outperform Hawaiians in education and job performance. Up to World War II
, half of elected Democrats were Hawaiian while only a quarter were Caucasian
. Following World War II, a local movement to empower laborers in Hawaii was formed. Honolulu Police Department
officer John A. Burns
began organizing the plantation laborers, especially the Japanese American
s and Filipino Americans he came to know while on his police beats. He began what would be known as the "Burns Machine". He believed grassroots organizing and the power of elections could overturn the corruption and unfairness of the Republicans in power. The movement received its biggest boost when Burns successfully influenced Japanese American veterans who fought in World War II to become involved, notably incumbent Daniel Inouye
. The coalition was composed of the Democratic Party, Communist Party
, 442nd Infantry Regiment, ILWU, and other organizations. During the Burns movement, the party shifted towards egalitarianism
, allowing an untapped Japanese voter base to bring them to power. Burns' efforts culminated in his election to the governorship after attaining statehood, heralding a forty year era of Democratic rule in Hawaii.
in Hawaii. But this position has also lead to restrictions. In 2006 strict smoking bans were put in place based on the effects of secondhand smoke on bystanders. Since the Revolution of 1954, the Democratic Party of Hawaii has been considered progressive in its center-left ideologies. The party has promoted racial tolerance, multiculturalism
, and protection of minorities
.
. During the Revolution of 1954 and rising to power Democrats had shifted toward racial equality
and left-wing nationalism
, while marginalizing the nationalist right especially over Anti-Japanese sentiment
and racism
. Under left-wing nationalism, the Democratic Party has focused on preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions while tolerating and recognizing those of other groups in Hawaii. The Democratic Party has also focused on preserving Hawaii’s individuality from “Mainlandization
”. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs
(OHA) was formed during the 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention
. Part Hawaiian Senator Daniel Akaka
proposed the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Akaka Bill) to create a native government. Right-wing nationalists have accused the Democrats of being too mild.
. Opposition has come from employers and small business
owners who feel their rights have been neglected because of the emphasis on employee protection and rights.
employer monopoly on the job market. The shipping and airline industries in particular are targeted for regulation. The Democrats tend to be closely involved with the tourism industry. The party believes in the simplification of government processes on the local and state level, with integration of databases to promote efficiency in these areas.
.
warned that communist influence would threaten to "take the Christian religion out of public schools." Governor John A. Burns
, a devout Roman Catholic, allowed Hawaii to become the first state to legalize abortion
. He put his religions views aside when he decided not to veto the bill.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
. The party is a centralized organization established to promote the party platform as drafted in convention biennially. It is also charged with registering voters and delivering voter turnout through county organizations for Hawaii County
Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County is a county located in the U.S. state of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. It is coterminous with the Island of Hawaii, often called the "Big Island" to distinguish it from the state as a whole. As of the 2010 Census the population was 185,079. The county seat is Hilo. There are no...
, Kauai County
Kauai County, Hawaii
Kauai County is a county located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It consists of the islands of Kauai, Niihau, Lehua, and Kaula, in the state of Hawaii. As of 2000 Census the population was 58,463...
, Maui County
Maui County, Hawaii
-National protected areas:* Haleakala National Park* Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge* Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge- Demographics :As of the 2000 Census, there were 128,094 people, 43,507 households, and 29,889 families residing in the county. The population density was 110 people per...
and the City and County of Honolulu
Honolulu County, Hawaii
The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated city–county located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The municipality and county includes both the urban district of Honolulu and the rest of the island of Oahu, as well as several minor outlying islands, including all of the Northwestern Hawaiian...
. The Hawaii Democratic Party maintained political control of the state government in Hawaii for over forty years, from 1962 to 2002.
Organization
A major factor in the party's organization is the ethnicity of Hawaii itself. As Democrats emerged as the dominant political party in 1962, they sought to garner support from native Hawaiians outside the Caucasian demographic. This success is attributed to the efforts of portraying themselves as not belonging to the power elite. For decades, the party had little difficulty in winning local and state-wide elections, with a significant number of Democrats running unopposed in certain years. The party has also established a gender-equality policy that required the election of more women to the state central committee, resulting in an equal balance of men and women in administrative positions.State level organizational meetings are held at the precinct, district, county, and state level, biennially, during even-numbered years. The party adheres to a complex set of bylaws that addresses eligibility for membership, election of officers, holding conventions, and recruiting delegates to represent the party at conventions. A minimum of two delegates are required from each precinct, with an equal number of men and women, as required by its gender-equality policy. While there is no permanent location for state conventions, nearly all of them have been held on the island of Oahu (the most populated) since 1960.
History
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
to the United States. But the U.S. had transitioned from an expansionist Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, President Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison
Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States . Harrison, a grandson of President William Henry Harrison, was born in North Bend, Ohio, and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana at age 21, eventually becoming a prominent politician there...
to Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
President Grover Cleveland
Grover Cleveland
Stephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and therefore is the only individual to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents...
who demanded the Kingdom to be restored. After failing to annex Hawaii, the Republic of Hawaii
Republic of Hawaii
The Republic of Hawaii was the formal name of the government that controlled Hawaii from 1894 to 1898 when it was run as a republic. The republic period occurred between the administration of the Provisional Government of Hawaii which ended on July 4, 1894 and the adoption of the Newlands...
was established and the Reform Party was converted into the American Union Party. Under the Republic, Hawaii became a single-party state
Single-party state
A single-party state, one-party system or single-party system is a type of party system government in which a single political party forms the government and no other parties are permitted to run candidates for election...
by severe restrictions on voting and freedom of expression all opposition parties were driven out of existence. After annexation by Republican President William McKinley
William McKinley
William McKinley, Jr. was the 25th President of the United States . He is best known for winning fiercely fought elections, while supporting the gold standard and high tariffs; he succeeded in forging a Republican coalition that for the most part dominated national politics until the 1930s...
the Reformers became affiliated with the Republican Party for their support of Hawaii’s annexation in contrast to the Democrat’s opposition. The American Union Party became the regional Republican Party in Hawaii leaving the Democratic Party for any opposition group.
Founding
The Democratic Party of Hawaii was formed on April 30, 1900 by supporters of the queen in the wake of a plagueBubonic plague
Plague is a deadly infectious disease that is caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis, named after the French-Swiss bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin. Primarily carried by rodents and spread to humans via fleas, the disease is notorious throughout history, due to the unrivaled scale of death...
quarantine in Honolulu. The meeting brought together five men: John H. Wilson, son of Marshal of the Kingdom Charles B. Wilson; John S. McGrew, a doctor and supporter of Kalākaua
Kalakaua
Kalākaua, born David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch , was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii...
; Charles J. McCarthy
Charles J. McCarthy
Charles James McCarthy was the fifth Territorial Governor of Hawai'i and served from 1918 to 1921.McCarthy was born August 4, 1861 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Charles McCarthy and Joana McCarthy. McCarthy moved with his parents to San Francisco, California in 1866...
, a saloon owner and former Honolulu Rifle
Honolulu Rifles
The Honolulu Rifle Company was a paramilitary force loyal to the Missionary Party and the later Reform Party. It was created in 1854 as a militia to deal with internal conflict, 24 Rifles were deployed during the [[ʻIolani Barracks#1873 Barracks Revolt|1873 Barracks Revolt]]...
; David Kawānanakoa
David Kawananakoa
Prince David Laamea Kahalepouli Kinoiki Kawānanakoa Piikoi , was the patriarch of the House of Kawānanakoa. He was in the line of succession to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii around the time of the kingdom's overthrow.-Life:...
, prince of the House of Kawānanakoa
House of Kawananakoa
The House of Kawānanakoa, or the Kawānanakoa Dynasty in Waiting, are presumptive heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii.-Origins:...
; and Delbert E. Metzger, an engineer from Kaua'i. The group believed that it was necessary for a party in Hawaii, now a region of the US, to have a national counterpart to survive and established the Democratic Party of Hawaii. The intention of the party was to promote Jeffersonian philosophy, home rule
Home rule
Home rule is the power of a constituent part of a state to exercise such of the state's powers of governance within its own administrative area that have been devolved to it by the central government....
, and attempted to appeal as the party of President Cleveland. The first convention of the Democratic Party of Hawaii was held May 16 that year and was attended by 500 people. Later that year, Kawānanakoa attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention
1900 Democratic National Convention
The 1900 Democratic National Convention was a United States presidential nominating convention that took place the week of July 4, 1900 at Convention Hall in Kansas City, Missouri....
in Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
, becoming the first royal attendee. At the convention Kawānanakoa formed an affiliation between the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Democratic Party of the United States
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
.
Elections of 1900
Leading up to the elections of 1900 it became apparent the radically nationalist Home Rule PartyHome Rule Party of Hawaii
As soon as the United States annexed the Hawaiian Islands and established the Territory of Hawaii, native Hawaiians became worried that both the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Republican Party were incapable of representing them...
became the most popular. Republicans who had been rejected for the unpopular overthrow of the monarchy and promotion of white supremacy, offered a coalition
Coalition government
A coalition government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several political parties cooperate. The usual reason given for this arrangement is that no party on its own can achieve a majority in the parliament...
between the Democrats and Republicans. Democrats refused the offer and Home Rule Party came to power. But the election of 1900 was based more on animosity toward the Republican Party for dethroning the monarchy than the Home Rule Party’s functionality once in power. Due to the extremism of the Home Rule they were ineffective, similarly the Democrats were also consumed with infighting. The following elections voters perceive little difference between the internal strife of the Democratic Party and the Home Rule Party. Since the 1900 elections Republicans, the only organized party, had formed the Haole-Hawaiian Alliance a deal with former Home Rule members that left the infighting and the Republicans regained power. In the subsequent years Democrats supported the stronger Home Rule Party until it dissolved in 1912. The party managed to elect a mayors like Joseph J. Fern
Joseph J. Fern
Joseph “Joe” James Fern was the first Mayor of Honolulu from 1909 to 1915 and again from 1917 to 1920. During and after his tenure, Fern became one of the most beloved political figures in the Territory of Hawaii...
and Wilson and several other positions but maintained a weak reputation throughout the territorial years
Territory of Hawaii
The Territory of Hawaii or Hawaii Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 7, 1898, until August 21, 1959, when its territory, with the exception of Johnston Atoll, was admitted to the Union as the fiftieth U.S. state, the State of Hawaii.The U.S...
. Among the issues was that offices under leadership positions were frequently held by Republicans, despite democrats achieving leadership positions they had limited powers especially against Republican policies.
Territory of Hawaii
After the overthrow of the monarchy and annexation a oligarchyOligarchy
Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with an elite class distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, commercial, and/or military legitimacy...
of powerful sugar corporations
Sugarcane
Sugarcane refers to any of six to 37 species of tall perennial grasses of the genus Saccharum . Native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, they have stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar, and measure two to six metres tall...
called the Big Five
Big Five (Hawaii)
The Big Five was the name given to a group of what started as sugarcane processing corporations that wielded considerable political power in the Territory of Hawaii during the early 20th century and leaned heavily towards the Hawaii Republican Party. The Big Five were Castle & Cooke, Alexander &...
effectively controlled government in the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian Islands
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, several atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1,500 miles from the island of Hawaii in the south to northernmost Kure Atoll...
making hundreds of millions of dollars in profits. The oligarchy of Castle & Cooke, Alexander & Baldwin, C. Brewer & Co., Amfac, and Theo H. Davies & Co. worked in favor of the Hawaii Republican Party
Hawaii Republican Party
The Hawaii Republican Party is the state affiliate of the Republican Party of the United States. Based in Honolulu, the party is a central organization established for the promotion of the party platform as it is drafted in convention every other year...
. The plantations needed labor and the Native Hawaiian population was insufficient to fill the demand so immigrants from around the world such as Puerto Rico, Korea, and most particularly Japan and the Philippines were brought to Hawaii. In response to the flood of immigrants Democrats became more nativist
Nativism (politics)
Nativism favors the interests of certain established inhabitants of an area or nation as compared to claims of newcomers or immigrants. It may also include the re-establishment or perpetuation of such individuals or their culture....
. Democrats like McCarthy and Oren Long
Oren E. Long
Oren Ethelbirt Long , was the tenth Territorial Governor of Hawai'i and served from 1951 to 1953. A member of the Hawai'i Democratic Party, Long was appointed to the office after the term of Ingram M. Stainback. After statehood was achieved he served in the United States Senate, one of the first...
pushed a compromised of allowing migrant worker
Migrant worker
The term migrant worker has different official meanings and connotations in different parts of the world. The United Nations' definition is broad, including any people working outside of their home country...
s that would eventually return to where they came from rather than establish themselves in Hawaii.
The 1932 Massie-Kahahawai Cases
Massie Trial
The Massie Trial for what was known as the Massie Affair, was a 1932 criminal trial that took place in Honolulu, Hawaii. Grace Hubbard Fortescue, along with several accomplices, was charged with murder in the death of well known local prizefighter Joseph Kahahawai...
were a seminal event that fortified the political will of territorial citizens against the administration of Republican Governor Lawrence M. Judd
Lawrence M. Judd
Lawrence McCully Judd was a politician of the Territory of Hawaii, serving as the seventh Territorial Governor. He was devoted to the Hansen's Disease-afflicted residents of Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai.-Life:...
, who commuted the sentence of socialite Grace Fortescue, convicted of manslaughter in the death of Joseph Kahahawai
Joseph Kahahawai
Joseph "Joe" Kahahawai Jr. was a Native Hawaiian prizefighter accused of the rape of Thalia Massie. He was abducted and killed after he was freed by a mistrial.-Early life:...
to one-hour of exchanging pleasantries in his executive chambers. Democrats were able to used the anti-Republican sentiment to win some seats in the legislature in 1932 and Lincoln McCandless
Lincoln Loy McCandless
Lincoln “Link” Loy McCandless was an American cattle rancher, industrialist and politician from Hawaii. McCandless served in the United States Congress as a territorial delegate...
used it to become congressman. But due to continuous infighting Democrats ultimately squandered the anti-Republican momentum.
Burns Machine
Up to the Revolution of 1954, Democrats held a stronger pro-HawaiianNative Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants. Native Hawaiians trace their ancestry back to the original Polynesian settlers of Hawaii.According to the U.S...
stance, resulting in anti-Asian sentiments based on fears Asian American
Asian American
Asian Americans are Americans of Asian descent. The U.S. Census Bureau definition of Asians as "Asian” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,...
s would outperform Hawaiians in education and job performance. Up to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, half of elected Democrats were Hawaiian while only a quarter were Caucasian
Caucasian race
The term Caucasian race has been used to denote the general physical type of some or all of the populations of Europe, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Asia , Central Asia and South Asia...
. Following World War II, a local movement to empower laborers in Hawaii was formed. Honolulu Police Department
Honolulu Police Department
The Honolulu Police Department is the principal law enforcement agency of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai'i, headquartered in the Alapa'i Police Headquarters in Honolulu CDP....
officer John A. Burns
John A. Burns
John Anthony Burns served as the second Governor of Hawaii from 1962 to 1974. Born in Fort Assinniboine, Montana, Burns was a resident of Hawaii from 1913....
began organizing the plantation laborers, especially the Japanese American
Japanese American
are American people of Japanese heritage. Japanese Americans have historically been among the three largest Asian American communities, but in recent decades have become the sixth largest group at roughly 1,204,205, including those of mixed-race or mixed-ethnicity...
s and Filipino Americans he came to know while on his police beats. He began what would be known as the "Burns Machine". He believed grassroots organizing and the power of elections could overturn the corruption and unfairness of the Republicans in power. The movement received its biggest boost when Burns successfully influenced Japanese American veterans who fought in World War II to become involved, notably incumbent Daniel Inouye
Daniel Inouye
Daniel Ken "Dan" Inouye is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in American history. Inouye is the chairman of the United States Senate...
. The coalition was composed of the Democratic Party, Communist Party
Communist Party of Hawaii
The Communist Party of Hawaii was the regional party of the Communist Party USA in the United States Territory of Hawaii.-Appeal:The party targeted poor working class such as the stevedores and plantation workers in the Territory.-Unions:...
, 442nd Infantry Regiment, ILWU, and other organizations. During the Burns movement, the party shifted towards egalitarianism
Egalitarianism
Egalitarianism is a trend of thought that favors equality of some sort among moral agents, whether persons or animals. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that equality contains the idea of equity of quality...
, allowing an untapped Japanese voter base to bring them to power. Burns' efforts culminated in his election to the governorship after attaining statehood, heralding a forty year era of Democratic rule in Hawaii.
Liberalism
The Democratic Party has tended to hold a position on social issues based on how a issue would affects bystanders and/or the environment. The party's platform is based on the values of liberty and social justice, with compassion and respect towards the individual. In 1997 the reciprocal beneficiary registration gave recognition to same-sex couples. In 1970 Democratic Governor John A. Burns legalized abortionAbortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
in Hawaii. But this position has also lead to restrictions. In 2006 strict smoking bans were put in place based on the effects of secondhand smoke on bystanders. Since the Revolution of 1954, the Democratic Party of Hawaii has been considered progressive in its center-left ideologies. The party has promoted racial tolerance, multiculturalism
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g...
, and protection of minorities
Minority rights
The term Minority Rights embodies two separate concepts: first, normal individual rights as applied to members of racial, ethnic, class, religious, linguistic or sexual minorities, and second, collective rights accorded to minority groups...
.
Nationalism
Hawaiian nationalism has been one of the Democratic Party’s founding principles. Democratic Party, in part, was founded on bringing Hawaiian representation to government. The Democrats advocated for the Hawaiian Homes Commission ActHawaiian Homelands
Hawaiian Homelands were lands dedicated to Native Hawaiians by legislation known as the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921.-History:Upon the 1893 Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the idea for "Hawaiian Homelands" was first born...
. During the Revolution of 1954 and rising to power Democrats had shifted toward racial equality
Racial equality
Racial equality means different things in different contexts. It mostly deals with an equal regard to all races.It can refer to a belief in biological equality of all human races....
and left-wing nationalism
Left-wing nationalism
Left-wing nationalism describes a form of nationalism officially based upon equality, popular sovereignty, and national self-determination. It has its origins in the Jacobinism of the French Revolution. Left-wing nationalism typically espouses anti-imperialism...
, while marginalizing the nationalist right especially over Anti-Japanese sentiment
Anti-Japanese sentiment
Anti-Japanese sentiment involves hatred, grievance, distrust, dehumanization, intimidation, fear, hostility, and/or general dislike of the Japanese people and Japanese diaspora as ethnic or national group, Japan, Japanese culture, and/or anything Japanese. Sometimes the terms Japanophobia and...
and racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
. Under left-wing nationalism, the Democratic Party has focused on preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions while tolerating and recognizing those of other groups in Hawaii. The Democratic Party has also focused on preserving Hawaii’s individuality from “Mainlandization
Americanization
Americanization is the influence of the United States on the popular culture, technology, business practices, or political techniques of other countries. The term has been used since at least 1907. Inside the U.S...
”. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a semi-autonomous entity of the state of Hawaii charged with the administration of 1.8 million acres of royal land held in trust for the benefit of native Hawaiians...
(OHA) was formed during the 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention
1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention
The 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention is regarded to be the watershed political event in the modern State of Hawaii. The convention established term limits for state office holders, provided a requirement for an annual balanced budget, laid the groundwork for the return of federal land...
. Part Hawaiian Senator Daniel Akaka
Daniel Akaka
Daniel Kahikina Akaka is the junior U.S. Senator from Hawaii and a member of the Democratic Party. He is the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry and is currently the only member of the Senate who has Chinese ancestry....
proposed the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Akaka Bill) to create a native government. Right-wing nationalists have accused the Democrats of being too mild.
Trade unionism
The Democratic Party has asserted itself as Hawaii’s labor party since gaining support from unions and plantation workers in the 1950s. The party has supported workers rights and collective bargainingCollective bargaining
Collective bargaining is a process of negotiations between employers and the representatives of a unit of employees aimed at reaching agreements that regulate working conditions...
. Opposition has come from employers and small business
Small business
A small business is a business that is privately owned and operated, with a small number of employees and relatively low volume of sales. Small businesses are normally privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships...
owners who feel their rights have been neglected because of the emphasis on employee protection and rights.
Economics
The Democrats prefer increased regulation of big companies because of the relatively small marketplace in Hawaii and past experiences with monopolies and oligopolies. Such as the Big FiveBig Five (Hawaii)
The Big Five was the name given to a group of what started as sugarcane processing corporations that wielded considerable political power in the Territory of Hawaii during the early 20th century and leaned heavily towards the Hawaii Republican Party. The Big Five were Castle & Cooke, Alexander &...
employer monopoly on the job market. The shipping and airline industries in particular are targeted for regulation. The Democrats tend to be closely involved with the tourism industry. The party believes in the simplification of government processes on the local and state level, with integration of databases to promote efficiency in these areas.
Environment
The Democracy Party has favored conservation efforts such as wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. Pollution reduction initiatives have received bipartisan support in Hawaii. The reduction of one's carbon footprint in reflected in the party's encouragement of using clean energy sources, also with environmentally friendly modes of transportation.Health care
The party platform supports a public health care system with development long-term financing solutions for individual care. The party has expressed support towards single payer universal health care coverage with the inclusion of a public option in this plan. The party does not support the denial of coverage towards women for abortion services. Democrats have been involved with healthcare issues and supportive of non-profit healthcare providers. They are also responsible for the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care ActHawaii Prepaid Health Care Act
Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act is a state law enacted January 1, 1975 in the State of Hawaii to improve health care coverage by employer mandate. Under the law, businesses are required to offer health insurance to employees who work more than twenty hours per week for four or more consecutive...
.
Religion
Religion in the Democratic Party varies among individuals. In an anti-communist speech, Governor Ingram StainbackIngram Stainback
Ingram Macklin Stainback was the ninth Territorial Governor of Hawaii and served from 1942 to 1951.Born in 1883 in Somerville, Tennessee, he received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago.Stainback, a well-connected Democrat, came to...
warned that communist influence would threaten to "take the Christian religion out of public schools." Governor John A. Burns
John A. Burns
John Anthony Burns served as the second Governor of Hawaii from 1962 to 1974. Born in Fort Assinniboine, Montana, Burns was a resident of Hawaii from 1913....
, a devout Roman Catholic, allowed Hawaii to become the first state to legalize abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
. He put his religions views aside when he decided not to veto the bill.
Current elected officials
The following is a list of Democrats who hold elected federal and statewide offices in Hawaii as of 2011:U.S. Senate
Democrats have held both of Hawaii's seats in the U.S. Senate continuously since 1977.- Class I: Daniel AkakaDaniel AkakaDaniel Kahikina Akaka is the junior U.S. Senator from Hawaii and a member of the Democratic Party. He is the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry and is currently the only member of the Senate who has Chinese ancestry....
(Junior Senator) - Class III: Daniel InouyeDaniel InouyeDaniel Ken "Dan" Inouye is the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a member of the Democratic Party, and the President pro tempore of the United States Senate making him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in American history. Inouye is the chairman of the United States Senate...
(Senior Senator; President pro tempore of the United States Senate)
U.S. House of Representatives
Democrats hold both of the seats Hawaii is apportioned in the U.S. House following the 2000 census.- HI-01: Colleen HanabusaColleen HanabusaColleen Wakako Hanabusa is the U.S. Representative for . She is a member of the Democratic Party. She was formerly a member of the Hawaii Senate, representing the 21st District since 1998...
- HI-02: Mazie HironoMazie Hironois the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. She is a member of the Democratic Party.She was the second Asian immigrant elected lieutenant governor of a state of the United States. She ran against Linda Lingle for governor of Hawaii in 2002, one of the few gubernatorial races in United...
Statewide offices
- GovernorGovernor of HawaiiThe Governor of Hawaii is the chief executive of the state of Hawaii and its various agencies and departments, as provided in the Hawaii State Constitution Article V, Sections 1 through 6. It is a directly elected position, votes being cast by popular suffrage of residents of the state...
: Neil AbercrombieNeil AbercrombieNeil Abercrombie is the 7th and current Governor of Hawaii. He was the Democratic U.S. Representative of the First Congressional District of Hawaii which comprises urban Honolulu. He served in Congress from 1986 to 1987 and from 1991 to 2010 when he resigned to successfully run for governor... - Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of HawaiiThe Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, concurrently the Secretary of State of Hawaii, is the assistant chief executive of that U.S. state and its various agencies and departments, as provided in the Hawaii State Constitution Article V, Sections 2 though 6. He or she is elected by popular suffrage of...
: Brian Schatz