Hundreds of people gathered Thursday at the Ko‘olau Ballrooms in Kaneohe to support Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s long-shot bid as an independent to become America’s next president.

On Thursday, Kennedy’s more than hour-long speech began with a presentation of data from two months ago that showed only 18% of Americans under the age of 35 are proud of their country.

“My primary job as president is to reinstill hope in that generation and pride in our country,” he said to a cheering crowd.

Thursday’s rally started with videos about Kennedy’s background, including compilation clips from his other rallies around the country and images of him surfing in Hawaii.

They were followed by Peter Kater, two-time Grammy-winning pianist, performing three songs. Kamaile Puaoi and her son performed an oli chant, and Elijah McShane performed a prayer and a speech to support Kennedy in bringing “his mana to Hawaii.”

Sheldon Doney, a Pearl City resident, attended the rally with his wife while both wore “Hawaii for Kennedy” pins on their shirts.

“We are looking for leaders that are outspoken, that aren’t calling for coercion,” Doney said. “We really value his take on civil liberties and human rights.”

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