As Election Day approaches, the Davis Democracy Initiative has organized a series of events to engage the Punahou community in civic participation and political discourse. These events offer students valuable real-time learning as the nation prepares to elect its next president. The initiative encourages students to explore different perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and take part in hands-on political activities leading up to the election.
Current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) spoke about his work in Washington and his hopes for young people to become civically active and engaged. It was a well-attended event with questions from students and 40 people in attendance. 
Current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) spoke about his work in Washington and his hopes for young people to become civically active and engaged. It was a well-attended event with questions from students and 40 people in attendance. 
During a classroom visit, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou ’88 (R-Hawaii) shared about his journey into politics, which started at Punahou when he volunteered to do sign waving for Pat Saiki’s campaign. A little over 20 years later, Djou assumed her same role in congress, where he served from 2010 – 2011.
Here’s a look at what’s taking place:
- Key political figures, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou ’88 (R-Hawaii) and current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii), provided insights into the political parties and the campaigning process.
- Leaders from the Young Republicans and Young Democrats of Hawai‘i participated in a campus dialogue, giving students the chance to witness real-time debate and ask questions of both party representatives.
- An evening storytelling event hosted in partnership with Civil Beat will feature notable O‘ahu kūpuna sharing stories that highlight intergenerational wisdom and history. The program, held in Dillingham Hall, will blend political and cultural themes and showcase how history shapes present-day issues. Students will have the chance to attend the afternoon rehearsal.
- An interactive theater performance, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event,” will take place in Dillingham’s Drama Workshop, coordinated by Grade 9 Dean Emily Silver. The production will feature interviews from across the U.S. conducted between 2020 and 2024, exploring how Americans view elections, political parties and national identity. Students can volunteer as readers for these interview excerpts.
- After-school postcard writing parties will give students the opportunity to write to swing-state voters, supporting their preferred candidates and contributing to the election process in a direct, hands-on way.
- A class of first graders will get involved with the election in a fun, age-appropriate way by voting on their lunch menu for Nov. 5.
- On Election Day, the initiative will host an all-day teach-in and watch party. Students are invited to stop by throughout the day to follow election coverage, participate in discussions, and hear from guest speakers. This event will provide a central hub for those who want to stay informed and engaged as results come in.
The Davis Democracy Initiative aims to give students multiple opportunities to explore politics, engage in the democratic process, and gain a broader understanding of the issues shaping this year’s election.
