FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
HGEA Endorses Della Au Belatti for Lieutenant Governor
HAWAII’S WORKING FAMILIES NEED A LEADER THEY CAN TRUST
Hawaii’s families are working harder than ever, and yet so many are falling behind. When it comes to the issues working people care about, voters need to ask, who is this politician really working for?
Today, HGEA is proud to stand with state Rep. Della Au Belatti as she runs for Lieutenant Governor, because we know she’s on the side of working people, not big money interests.
Belatti made a promise: No corporate money. None.
Her opponent? Mayor Derek Kawakami is backed by millions from wealthy mainland-connected developers. He’s bought and paid for.
Voters only need only look at recent reports that Kawakami took $15,000 from Honolulu businessman Milton Choy and his associates. Unlike Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and several others who gave back Choy-connected funds, Kawakami never did.
“Too many Hawaii families are watching their children pack their bags for the mainland because the rent is too high and the wages aren’t enough,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association. “We need leaders who put the interests of working people ahead of big developers and corporations. That’s why HGEA is standing with Belatti.”
In contrast, Belatti has spent two decades in the State House as a voice for working people — supporting public employee raises, worker protections and government reform. And, unlike her opponent, she can’t be bought.
“Wealthy interests already have people in the room looking out for them,” said Perreira. “Working people deserve to have an advocate at the table with their concerns in mind.”
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Media Contacts:
Malulani Moreno
Communications Manager
(808) 543-0024
mmoreno@hgea.org
Kristina Lum
Senior Communications Specialist
(808) 543-0063
klum@hgea.org