9th annual Hawai‘i on the Hill brings spirit of aloha to Washington, D.C.

More than 200 people from Hawai‘i, representing 90-plus businesses and nonprofits from throughout the state, descended upon Washington, D.C., last week for the ninth annual Hawai‘i on the Hill at the U.S. Capitol.

The event is a partnership between Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono — who is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship — and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i.

It provides members of the Hawai‘i business community the opportunity to meet directly with congressional leaders while also showcasing Hawai‘i businesses and products to members of Congress, their staffs and the District of Columbia community.

“Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are foundational to Hawai‘i’s culture, communities and economy, and engagement at every level of government is crucial to setting these businesses and businessowners up for success,” Hirono said in a press release.

She’s grateful for all those who made this year’s Hawai‘i on the Hill events — including a policy summit and the flagship Taste of Hawai‘i — such a success, and looks forward to a continued partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, work together to support small businesses throughout the islands.

Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i President and Chief Executive Officer Sherry Menor said Hirono’s continued support helps amplify the voice of Hawai‘i’s small businesses and strengthen their opportunities on a national stage.

In addition to Hirono and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i state Senate President Ron Kouchi of Kaua‘i served as an honorary co-chairman of this year’s Hawai‘i on the Hill.

Hirono participated in a fireside chat and talk story session moderated by Menor to kick of the week. The Hawai‘i Democrat spoke about her work in the U.S. Senate to support Hawai‘i businesses and communities as well as took part in a Q&A session.

Hirono the following day hosted the Hawai‘i on the Hill Policy Summit, featuring remarks from:

• Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green.
• U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
• U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
• Dilawar Syed, former deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration.
• U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
• U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
• U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property.
• Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who also is a former Social Security Administration commissioner.

A variety of important issues were discussed, including the unique challenges faced by Hawai‘i businesses, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in the islands and building community resilience and partnerships.

The highly anticipated Taste of Hawai‘i was hosted later that night on Capitol Hill, with more than 1,500 people in attendance.

Members of Congress and their staffs were given the opportunity to experience and learn more about Hawai‘i’s unique culture through cuisine, music and more. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Hawai‘i artists as they visited different tables and sampled different products from throughout the islands.

Some of this year’s exhibitors included:

• Hawai‘i Farm Bureau.
• Aloun Farms.
• Kaua‘i Kookie.
• Kōloa Rum.
• Lappert’s Ice Cream.
• The Orchid Lei Company.
• Hawaiian Chip Company.
• Maui Gold.
• University of Hawai‘i.

“Hawai‘i 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,” said Menor in the press release, adding through all of the events during this year’s Hawai‘i on the Hill, the chamber was “proud to bring the spirit of aloha to D.C.”