​Opening Day of Legislature Recap

On Wednesday, we attended the opening ceremony of the Hawaii State Senate. Senator Ronald Kouchi, President of the State Senate and representative of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau district, gave a moving speech on the current focus of this yearʻs legislative session. Senator Kouchi, noted that “Although not all of us are from Maui, we are all effected. Clearly fire mitagation is at the top of our list.”

MHLA made rounds of the capitol to visit Maui representatives, finance and tourism related dignitaries. Receptive to our position statements, we were pleased share our thoughts and hold time with the following:

Senate President, Senate District 8, Ronald D. Kouchi

Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Senate District 7, Lynn DeCoite

Assistant Majority Whip, Senate District 5, Troy N. Hashimoto

Majority Floor Leader, Senate District 15, Glenn Wakai

Senate District 6, Angus L.K. McKelvey

House District 11, Terez Amato

House District 14, Elle Cochran

House District 10, Tyson K. Miyake

House District 2, Richard Onishi

House District 13, Mahina Poepoe

House District 47, Sean Quinlan

House District 25, Scott K. Saiki

House District 9, Justin H. Woodson

House District 12, Kyle T. Yamashita

Mahalo to Troy Hashimoto for sharing his table spread of ono grinds. Mahalo to all the representatives who took time to see us, exchange thoughts on Mauiʻs needs and crack a joke for the camera shot.

For updates on the bills to watch for in this legislative session, join us for our member exclusive Town Hall in February.