I wanted to take a moment to share my experiences from the Opening Day of the legislative session for the State of Hawaii, which took place on January 17th. It was indeed a beautiful day, filled with great interactions and insights. Many had great food and goodies for everyone to enjoy and hula for all to enjoy.

Having flown over from Maui to Oahu to attend the event, I was happy to see much participation of our party members. Following the legislative session, we engaged in a hybrid "think tank" session to deliberate on the upcoming presidential caucus.

The legislative session was a unique opportunity to connect with sitting representatives and senators, hearing collaboration and understanding among diverse voices within our state. I was particularly encouraged by the remarks of House Minority Leader Rep. Lauren Matsumoto, who highlighted the pressing issues affecting our communities.

Rep. Matsumoto's focus on Lahaina resonated deeply, as the repercussions of events in Maui, including the recent hardships faced by Lahaina and Kula residents, where felt across the entire state. The impact is evident not only in those who lost homes but also in the extended power outages, loss of income, jobs, and the struggles faced by many long-time residents, some of whom are now living in tents or leaving the state.

Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, and I was pleased to learn about efforts on Maui to incentivize tax breaks for property owners willing to rent to fire victims. However, perhaps another avenue worth exploring is streamlining regulations to eliminate red tape and allow property owners to build and expand, providing more options for livable structures. To consider this for full time property owners and large land owners, would not only help with the housing situation, but help another economic revenue streamline for Hawaii.

In times of need, both in Hawaii and across the nation, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize the needs and voices of our people. Responsible spending and initiatives that put our citizens first are paramount. Let us continue to work together to find effective and compassionate solutions to the issues that impact the lives of our fellow Hawaiians and citizens across the State.

Thank you for your dedication to our party and our state. I look forward to our continued collaboration and success as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Best regards,

Tamara McKay
State Chair
Hawaii Republican Party