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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.

What We Stand For
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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.

From UH Rainbow baseball to community leader, Markus Owens brings a lifetime of teamwork, public service, and dedication to Hawaiʻi Senate District 20 as a Democrat.

A former University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow baseball player and San Francisco Giants minor leaguer, Markus understands what it takes to build a team, overcome challenges, and work together toward a common goal. That same commitment to teamwork has guided his career and service to Hawaiʻi.

Markus spent 33 years serving the people of Hawaiʻi through both the State of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu, gaining extensive experience in government, public relations, permitting, water, wastewater, and environmental issues. For more than 30 years, he has also been a familiar voice in Hawaiʻi sports as a broadcaster and trusted communicator.

Today, as a Coldwell Banker Realty REALTOR®, Markus helps local families navigate Hawaiʻi’s challenging housing market. He lives in ʻEwa Beach with his wife, Mary, and understands firsthand the issues facing families and working people in the community.

Now, Markus is ready to bring that same dedication, communication skills, and collaborative spirit to the State Senate. As a Democrat, he will work with fellow legislators and community leaders to pass meaningful legislation, secure funding, and deliver real results for ʻEwa Beach and Senate District 20 families.

Markus Owens is ready to work, ready to deliver, and ready to serve.

Our Main Issues

There are many serious challenges facing our community. Here’s what we’re fighting for in ‘Ewa Beach.

01

Community Safety

With homicides up 80% in West O’ahu and shootings in family areas, our community deserves better. Markus will fight for fully staffing HPD District 8, supporting community policing, and working with law enforcement to keep our families safe.
02

Smart Growth & Housing

As a realtor, Markus sees daily how working families struggle with $719K median homes and $2,527 monthly rents. We need SMART development—affordable housing with proper infrastructure like sewers, roads, and schools. No more “monster” developments that destroy neighborhood character.
03

Traffic & Infrastructure

39-minute commutes. Roads turned into dangerous “drag strips.” Delayed projects like Keaunui Drive Extension. Markus will prioritize traffic safety, complete critical infrastructure projects, and ensure our growth includes the roads and services we need.
04

Education & Youth

From youth baseball to supporting our schools, Markus is committed to giving our keiki the opportunities they deserve. Quality education, safe schools, and positive alternatives to crime are investments in our community’s future.

Candidacy

The choice is clear for Hawai’i Senate District 20. Experience that delivers. Leadership that listens.

Democratic Party

Markus Owens is running for Hawai‘i State Senate District 20 as a Democrat—but he’s not running to play political games. He’s running to fight for ‘Ewa Beach and deliver real results for the people who call this community home.

For too long, politics has been about talk instead of action. Markus is different. He believes in showing up, listening, and getting things done—no excuses. In a Senate led by Democrats, our community needs someone who can step in on day one, build relationships, work across the aisle, and push real solutions forward. QA

This campaign is about putting ‘Ewa Beach first—working families, local businesses, and the next generation. It’s about cutting through the noise, standing up for what matters, and making sure our voices aren’t ignored.

Markus Owens isn’t running to fit in—he’s running to get results.

While the current senator has grown disconnected and ineffective, Markus Owens brings over 30 years of real-world experience building partnerships across business, sports, and broadcasting. He understands that progress doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people come together.

Markus has spent his life working with diverse teams, finding common ground, and turning collaboration into results. That’s the kind of leadership ‘Ewa Beach deserves: someone who builds bridges, not barriers, and delivers for the community instead of standing apart from it.

Testimonials

“Markus has been a trusted voice in our community for decades. He’s the leader ‘Ewa Beach needs.”
Enson Queypo, ‘Ewa Beach Resident
“As a business owner, I know Markus understands what working families are going through. He’ll fight for us.”
Mark James, Local Business Owner

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, and West Loch Fairways — 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 a portion of ‘Ewa Villages, and West Loch Fairway, 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.
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Important Election Dates

Filing Deadline

Jun 2, 2026

Primary Election

Aug 8, 2026

General Election

Nov 3, 2026

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Scan the QR code below or visit the official State of Hawai‘i Elections website to register or update your voter information.
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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.”
Learn More

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