Hawaiʻi on the Hill showcases state’s unique culture and business landscape

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, welcomed more than 200 people from Hawaiʻi for the 9th annual Hawaiʻi on the Hill in Washington, D.C., this week.

This year, Hawaiʻi on the Hill provided over 90 businesses and nonprofits from across the state an opportunity to showcase their businesses and products to members of Congress, their staff and the D.C. community.

“Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are foundational to Hawaiʻi’s culture, communities, and economy, and engagement at every level of government is crucial to setting these businesses and business owners up for success,” Hirono said. “From our policy summit with federal leaders to the flagship Taste of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi on the Hill provides members of the Hawaiʻi community with the opportunity to connect with congressional leaders, federal policymakers, and experts in D.C.”

Hirono participated in a fireside chat and talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, on Monday. She discussed her work in the Senate to support Hawaiʻi businesses and communities and answered questions from attendees.

“Hawaiʻi on the Hill continues to be a powerful platform to showcase the best of our state, and this year’s events were nothing short of incredible,” Menor said. “We were proud to bring the spirit of aloha to D.C. in partnership with U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono. Her continued support helps amplify our voice and strengthen opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s businesses on a national stage.”

In addition to Sen. Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an honorary co-chair of Hawaiʻi on the Hill.

On Tuesday, Hirono hosted the Hawaiʻi on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured remarks from Gov. Josh Green; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer; Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Dilawar Syed; Sen. Ed Markey; Sen. Lisa Murkowski; Sen. Thom Tillis; and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.

The speakers addressed a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaiʻi and across the country, including the unique challenges local businesses in Hawaiʻi face, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in Hawaiʻi, and building community resilience and partnerships.

Later that evening, Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaiʻi on Capitol Hill. More than 1,500 people attended this year’s event, which allowed members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaiʻi’s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more.

Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Hawaiʻi artists as they visited different tables and sampled products from across the islands. Some of this year’s exhibitors included: Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Aloun Farms, Kauaʻi Kookie, Kōloa Rum, Lappert’s Ice Cream, The Orchid Lei Company, Hawaiian Chip Company, Maui Gold, and the University of Hawaiʻi.