Lester M Klungness Bio

2008: Selected with Gretchen as Precinct 5 president and Secretary (we were the only candidates available to take over for the outgoing Pres. Secretary.

2010/2011: I was selected as Vice Chair for District 3.

2012: The Dist. 3 Chair, Ed James died, and I succeeded him.

2012: Gretchen and I worked for the Abercrombie campaign

2016: I ran the Presidential Preference Poll thanks to Gretchen and some great volunteers in Keaau. Bernie Sanders won the PPP, but a number of his supporters were elected into Party offices

2016: I lost the election for District 3 Chair. We were dissatisfied by the new party leadership, so we retired from active service.

2022: County Chair Barbara Dalton, re-enlisted us to Party Service and I was elected to Chair of the newly designated District 5 (geographically the largest in the state of Hawaii). I have served in that position ever since.

2025: I was appointed to the State Central Committee and subsequently elected to an at-large position.

Aloha!

My name is Tina Marie Even, and I’m honored to seek continuing in serving the position of Hawaiʻi County Representative to the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

I am a dedicated advocate for civic engagement, equity, and community-centered progress. I believe that democracy requires more than just showing up during election cycles. It thrives when we actively strengthen the systems, relationships, and values that guide our collective future.

Professionally, I’m a small business owner as a Virtual Operations Consultant, helping entrepreneurs and organizations streamline their workflows, organize their systems, improve digital strategy, and strengthen their online presence. I bring this same skill set into community organizing, ensuring that the work behind the scenes is efficient, intentional, and aligned with the values of transparency and inclusion.

My commitment to service extends deeply into community advocacy and volunteer leadership. I have supported local initiatives such as the Maui wildfire fundraising benefit, a Free Parking advocate, assist with website updates for Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region, and serve on the leadership team for Kona Indivisible. I also proudly serve as Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Assistant Secretary for the Hawai`i County Committee.

I am running for SCC because I believe Hawaiʻi County deserves a strong, consistent, and solutions-focused voice at the state level. This moment calls for leaders who understand both grassroots organizing and the administrative backbone that keeps our party moving. I am committed to strengthening communication between the state and county levels, increasing accessibility for members, and ensuring that our island’s priorities are represented with clarity and purpose.

For me, this role is not just about governance, but about empowerment. It’s about supporting the next generation of leaders, building systems that work for everyone, and ensuring our party remains relevant and responsive in an increasingly fascist world.

I would be honored to serve Hawaiʻi County on the State Central Committee and to help shape a future rooted in aloha, resilience, and community-driven action.

Mahalo for your time and consideration.

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