ASUHʻs Special Elections and Why You Should Get to Know ASUH

File / Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi

October saw the conclusion of the Fall 2025 Special Elections for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (ASUH). On the ballot were positions for secretary, treasurer, three senators at large seats on the executive team and over 20 senate positions up for election, candidates fiercely contested to represent and serve their fellow students.

Of the available seats, eleven were filled, including every executive position. These additions will allow ASUH to “have more student run, lead inspired events and activities. Once the current new senators start getting into the gist of things,” ASUH President Hema Watson said.

Prior to the addition of the new Senators and Executive Board members, the organization struggled with managing all of their responsibilities. Watson explained how ASUH were running off of mostly interim positions and those learning on the fly. “Having this influx of senators will allow us to free up some of those things, 'cause right now we've been really mainly focused on, like, the basic things.”

While the basic services that ASUH provides such as student scholarships, funding of Registered Independent Organizations (RIO) and the continuation of programs like U-Pass are essential..

The U-Pass gives students universal access across public transportation options offered around the island, such as TheBus, the Skyline, and Handivan services for a much more manageable student fee of $50 included in your tuition breakdown.

“It's allowed for students to get around without having to worry about buying $80 worth of bus passes every month or $880 annually, which is going to go up this coming year,” Watson said.

Beyond saving students money on transportation, ASUH also provided emergency housing programs at the dorms, and Food Vault Hawaiʻi which has fed hundreds of students.

Watson emphasized how these programs are examples of how student government can make real change in people’s lives. It’s an opportunity that goes beyond boosting a resume.

“You can make a lot of actual good change. even if it's just one program or one concert or whatever, people will remember those things,” Watson said.

Senator at Large Lord Sugui spoke on his goal of increasing student engagement, his main priority when he initially joined ASUH.

“I truly do believe that when it comes to like outreach, that's something that we can try to do that's important so that we can do the things, like bigger things that we want to do and that our constituents, feel like their voices are being heard, their ideas are being seen, we can pass a lot more things,” Sugui said.

The Fall 2025 Special Election focused heavily on outreach, implementing ground stakes and posters around campus to boost engagement. ASUH Elections Committee Chairperson Shaina Laguatan hopes this momentum pushes into the larger general election.

ASUH has struggled with recognition since the COVID shutdowns in 2020, when student activity plummeted. However, the programs that the organization provides remain fundamental to many UHM students.

Watson elaborated on the importance of the community being aware of ASUH, hoping students make use of the resources available and know that the leadership, fellow students, want to listen to ideas for improvement and possible opportunities that students would like to participate in.

Community engagement also provides other benefits. Watson highlighted students’ drive to improve on prior senators' representation as a possible spark for further participation with ASUH. “Competition is good in this situation, because we want people to be their best and try their hardest,” Watson said.

The Spring general elections will see every ASUH seat open. Many members of the current senate and board aim to run again but welcome all candidates.