Ready to Work. Ready to Deliver.
Bringing leadership that delivers results for ‘Ewa Beach. Working together to solve our community’s challenges. It’s time for a Senator who gets things done.
About
Markus Owens
From UH Rainbow baseball to community leader, Markus Owens brings a lifetime of teamwork and dedication to serve Hawai’i Senate District 20 as a Democrat.
Markus Owens has spent his entire life building teams and serving communities. A former University of Hawai’i Rainbow baseball player and San Francisco Giants minor leaguer, Markus knows what it takes to work together toward a common goal.
For over 30 years, he’s been the voice of Hawai’i sports as a broadcaster and a trusted communicator in public relations. As a Coldwell Banker realtor, he helps families navigate the housing market every day. He lives in ‘Ewa Beach with his wife Mary and understands firsthand the challenges facing our community
Now he’s ready to bring that same dedication, communication skill, and collaborative spirit to the State Senate as a Democrat. Markus will work with fellow Democrats in the legislature to pass bills, secure funding, and deliver real results for ‘Ewa Beach families.
Our Main Issues
There are many serious challenges facing our community. Here’s what we’re fighting for in ‘Ewa Beach.
Testimonials
General Election
— A Clear Choice For District 20
The November General Election for Hawai‘i State Senate District 20 will present voters with a real and unmistakable choice about the future of our community. This election is not about politics as usual. It is about whether ‘Ewa will finally have leadership that moves with urgency — or whether we continue to accept the same challenges year after year with little progress to show for it.
District 20 — including ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, and parts of ‘Ewa Villages — is one of the fastest-growing regions in our state. Families are working harder than ever, yet many feel government is moving slower than ever. Traffic continues to choke our daily lives. Housing costs keep rising. Public safety concerns are real. And development decisions too often happen to our community instead of with our community. I am running to change that dynamic.
With more than three decades inside state and city government, I understand both the promise and the frustrations of public service. I have seen how good ideas get stuck. I have seen how communities get overlooked. And I have seen how strong, determined leadership can break through gridlock and deliver results.
If I secure the Democratic nomination, I may face Republican incumbent Kurt Fevella in November. That race will be about accountability and performance — not personalities. Voters will be asking a simple question: Is District 20 better positioned for the future today than it was yesterday?
I believe we cannot afford to wait any longer for solutions.
I am campaigning on a focused commitment to:
- Push for responsible growth that matches infrastructure with development
- Fight for practical traffic relief and transportation investments
- Strengthen community-based public safety efforts
- Expand housing pathways that keep local families in West O‘ahu
This General Election is about momentum. It is about demanding measurable progress. And it is about electing a Democratic senator who knows how to work the system — and when necessary, challenge it — to deliver for the people I serve.
I am not running just to hold a seat. I am running to move District 20 forward.
Candidacy
The choice is clear for Hawai’i Senate District 20 in 2026. Experience that delivers. Leadership that listens.
The Primary Race
Democrat
Markus Owens is running as a Democrat for Hawai’i State Senate District 20. He recently filed with the Democratic Party and is committed to working with the Democratic majority in the legislature to deliver results for our community.
With 30+ years of building partnerships in business, sports, and broadcasting, Markus brings the communication skills and collaborative approach that gets things done. He knows that real leadership means bringing people together to solve problems.
In the August 8, 2026 Democratic Primary, voters will choose between Markus and other Democratic candidates who can best represent ’Ewa Beach’s interests.
Markus Owens
- Fresh perspective and new energy for District 20
- 30+ years of professional communication and public relations expertise
- Current ’Ewa Beach resident who understands today's challenges
- Successful business background in real estate
- Deep Hawai’i roots as UH Rainbow and local sports broadcaster
- Proven team builder from baseball to business
- No political baggage or past controversies
Rida Cabanilla-arakawa
- Former State Representative (2004-2014, 2018-2020)
- Lost State Senate race to Kurt Fevella in 2020
- Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserves (retired)
- Registered nurse
- Born in Philippines, Hawai’i resident since 1970
- Has faced ethics questions about grant-in-aid funds for family nonprofit
- Lost 2014 primary to Matthew LoPresti amid controversy
Potential General Election
Hawai’i Senate District 20
Senate District 20 represents ’Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ’Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, and portions of ’Ewa Villages—a diverse, growing community of over 58,000 residents.
Our district faces real challenges: rising crime, traffic congestion, poorly planned development, and housing costs that price out working families. We need a senator who understands these issues from living them every day, and who has the skills to work with others to solve them.
If Markus wins the Democratic primary, he would likely face Republican incumbent Kurt Fevella in the November general election.
Markus Owens
- Will work WITH the Democratic majority to pass bills
- 30+ years building relationships and communicating effectively
- Treats all people with dignity and respect
- Understands housing from daily real estate work
- Fresh perspective without political baggage
- Brings people together to solve problems
Kurt Fevella
- One of three Republicans in 25-member Senate—isolated and ineffective
- Governor says his crime response was "a single text message"
- "Often chooses to attack people" according to Gov. Green
- Made racist comments about Native Hawaiian nominee in 2023
- Sued for allegedly exploiting elderly man
- More press conferences than passed legislation
Note:
Bob McDermott (R), a former State Representative and two-time U.S. Senate candidate, has also filed but is considered a long-shot candidate.
Campaign Updates & Voter Action
A Growing Movement in District 20
The momentum to bring new leadership to Hawai‘i State Senate District 20 continues to build. Community members across ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, and ‘Ewa Villages are stepping forward to support my campaign for practical solutions and stronger representation at the State Capitol.
While several candidates have filed for the seat, the focus of this campaign remains clear: listening to residents, earning trust, and building a broad coalition ready to move West O‘ahu forward.
This election will be decided by voters who are ready for leadership that understands government, respects community voices, and delivers real progress.
Register To Vote
Make sure you are registered and prepared to participate in the 2026 elections. The decisions made this year will shape the future of District 20 for years to come — from housing and transportation to public safety and economic opportunities.
Voting is one of the most powerful way to strengthen our community.
Important Election Dates
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registered and ready to vote!
Scan the QR code below or visit the official State of Hawai‘i Elections website
to register or update your voter information.
Latest News From Us
Stay up to date with the latest from the campaign. Follow along as we meet with voters, attend community events, and fight for Ewa Beach.
March 2026
Markus Owens Announces Candidacy for State Senate
After months of meeting with families, small business owners, kupuna, and community leaders across West O‘ahu, I have officially announced my candidacy as a Democrat for Hawai‘i State Senate District 20.
“Our community is growing fast, and we need leadership that can keep up. “I’m running to bring people together, solve real problems, and deliver results that make everyday life better for ‘Ewa families.”
Support The Campaign
Help Build the Campaign ‘Ewa Deserves
Campaigns are powered by people. Every contribution helps expand outreach, connect with voters, and ensure District 20 has a strong voice in this important election.
Your support allows this campaign to reach neighborhoods, share solutions, and bring more residents into the conversation about our future.
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