Representative Jeanné Kapela

Jeanné Kapela is a Democratic state representative from House District 5 on Hawai'i Island, which encompasses South Kona, Na'alehu, Ka'ū, Pāhala, Ocean View, Volcano, Mountain View, and Kea'au. She is the first woman and Native Hawaiian ever to represent her district.

Kapela was born in Kona and raised in the nearby town of Captain Cook. Growing up in poverty, she remains committed to uplifting working families and addressing economic and social justice. She believes these values are essential to democracy and focuses on creating a clean economy that protects people and the planet from financial inequality and climate change.

Education

Kapela graduated from Konawaena High School in 2012.

Political Experience

Before her election to the state legislature, Kapela served as Executive Director of Unite Hawai'i, an organization dedicated to ending sexual exploitation through education. In this role, she worked as a victim service provider for survivors of sexual slavery, providing support and advocacy to women and children affected by sexual violence.

In the state legislature, Kapela serves as Vice Chair of the House Higher Education and Technology Committee and Chairperson of the Working Families Caucus. Her legislative priorities include building truly affordable housing, delivering quality education for all, protecting Hawai'i's agricultural industry, making Hawai'i affordable for residents, and preserving the 'āina for future generations.

Additionally, Kapela has contributed to her community through leadership roles with the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Board of Directors, Kona Coffee Farmers Association Board of Directors, and the Lions Club of Kona.