2026 Kauaʻi Democratic Convention & New Officers

Saturday, May 2 - Hale Lihue - 4286 Rice Street

2026–2028 Officers, from left to right: Chair Margaret Merryman, Vice Chair Hermina Morita, Secretary Bevin Parker, Treasurer Joell Edwards, Information Technician Lori Kizer, Youth Representative, Desiree Pia, and Gary Venett, Kauaʻi County State Central Committee

The Kauaʻi Democratic Party held its 2026 Biennial Convention on Saturday, bringing together party members, district council members and county delegates for a hybrid event that elected a new slate of county party officers and celebrated a landmark legislative session for the island.

Margie Merryman was elected as the new Kauaʻi County Democratic Party chair, succeeding Joell Edwards, who facilitated the convention and stepped down after her 2-year term as chair.

The nominating committee presented a full, unopposed slate: Merryman as chair, Hermina Morita as vice chair, Bevin Parker-Evans as secretary, Joell Edwards as treasurer, Lori Kizer as information technician, Desiree Pia as youth representative (non-male), and Gary Venett as State Central Committee representative.

"I'm honored to serve and excited to build a more engaged and active Democratic Party on Kauaʻi. I look forward to strengthening community connections and building meaningful coalitions, while ensuring we show up for the people of this island in real and visible ways." — Chair Margie Merryman

The convention featured video messages from U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Hawaii State Democratic Party Chair Derek Turbin, both of whom praised Edwards for her dedicated leadership. The convention was also honored by the in-person attendance of State Rep. Dee Morikawa, State Rep. Luke Evslin, and Senate President Ron Kouchi — all of whom represent Kauaʻi and had concluded the 2026 legislative session just the night before.

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A man wearing a floral shirt and a lei, speaking into a microphone at a podium decorated with patriotic red, white, and blue bunting, at an indoor event with a large screen displaying a program schedule behind him. A woman in a white dress standing t
An elderly woman with gray hair, wearing a red and blue floral blouse, speaking into a microphone at a program event. Behind her is a large screen displaying the program schedule, a US flag, and a decorative lei around her neck.
A woman standing at a podium with a microphone, decorated with a red, white, and blue bunting, at a Democratic event. Behind her is a large screen that reads 'Welcome 2026 Kauai Democratic,' and an American flag is visible to the right. Additional si
A woman with curly white hair wearing a green tie-dye dress and a yellow lei, holding a microphone and speaking at an event decorated with patriotic bunting and political signs.
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