Aloha State News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, hosted several events as part of the 7th Annual Hawaii on the Hill (HOH) in Washington, D.C. Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, was a three-day event that provided members of the Hawaii business community the opportunity to meet directly with Congressional leaders and Administration officials, while also showcasing Hawaii businesses and products to Members of Congress, their staff, and the D.C. community. After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 200 individuals from across the islands, representing over 40 Hawaii businesses, were in attendance this year. 

“After a three-year hiatus, the return of Hawaii on the Hill was a huge success,” said Senator Hirono. “Throughout the week, hundreds of Hawaii business owners, elected officials, and other community leaders were able to connect with federal policymakers and experts, while my colleagues in D.C. were able to learn more about Hawaii and the special culture of our islands. I applaud all of the businesses who participated in this year’s festivities—it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to plan for this event, prepare goods and supplies, then ship everything across the country and travel thousands of miles away from home. I am also grateful for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s partnership in hosting this event and making it such a success. I look forward to working with them again on next year’s Hawaii on the Hill.”

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Senator Hirono and proud of Hawaii’s business community for coming together and bringing so much Aloha to our nation’s capital,” said CoC Hawaii President Sherry Menor-McNamara. “This initiative came back from the pandemic bigger, better and bolder than ever before. The annual series of events ensures that Hawaii is top of mind in Washington D.C. and our congressional leaders. Mahalo to Senator Hirono and the Hawaii Tourism Authority for helping to present this successful event.”

In addition to Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an Honorary Co-Chair of Hawaii on the Hill.

At the beginning of the week, Senator Hirono participated in a fireside chat and talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor-McNamara, CoC Hawaii President and CEO. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Senator Hirono about her work in the Senate to support Hawaii businesses and communities and also engaged with the Senator in a Q&A.

On Wednesday morning, Senator Hirono hosted the Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured a presentation by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Marcia Fudge. During her presentation, Secretary Fudge noted the challenges Hawaii’s communities face in finding and securing affordable housing and her commitment to working with Hawaii’s leaders to address these challenges.

In addition to Secretary Fudge, attendees also heard from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator John Boozman—Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Representative Jill Tokuda, as well as members of the Biden-Harris Administration, including Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman, Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, and Ambassador Joseph Yun. The speakers provided insight on a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaii and across the country, including the Compacts of Free Association (COFA); farming and agriculture; environmental protection and climate action; and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. In addition to hearing about different policies of interest, the Policy Summit also provided opportunities for follow-up with the administrative agencies. Video of the policy summit can be viewed here.

Later that day, Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill. Over 1,250 people attended this year’s event, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaii’s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more. The venue was decorated with beautiful flowers and foliage from Hawaii, and each guest received a fresh orchid lei upon arrival. Attendees also enjoyed live music performed by Hawaii artists as they visited each table and sampled delicious food and drink from across the islands. Some of this year’s exhibitors included: Hawaiian Chip Company; Kauai Kookie; Koloa Rum; Lappert's Hawaii; Maui Brewing; The Orchid Lei Company; Hawaiian Airlines; Alaska Airlines; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and the University of Hawaii. 

Photos of the Fireside Chat are available here.

Photos of the Policy Summit are available here.

Photos of the Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill are available here and videos are available here.

Original source can be found here.