Kaua‘i shines at 2024 Hawai‘i on the Hill in Washington

The aloha of Kaua‘i was in full force as the Kaua‘i Chamber – along with member businesses, elected officials and community leaders from the Garden Island – took part in the 2024 Hawai‘i on the Hill event in Washington D.C. from June 15-18.

The event, now in its tenth year, is a collaboration between U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. It showcases the unique culture and industries of the Hawaiian islands, and provided a platform for meaningful engagement with national leaders.

Senate President Ron Kouchi, who represents Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, served as honorary chair. Kouchi believes the event continues to have a significant impact.

“Hawai‘i on the Hill continues to be an essential event that highlights the vibrant culture and innovative spirit of our islands. This gathering allows Hawai‘i’s business community to showcase their products and connect directly with federal leaders and policymakers. The collaboration and engagement fostered here are crucial for the continued growth and success of our state,” said Kouchi.

Attendees included Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami, who emphasized the importance of this event: “Hawai‘i on the Hill has proven to be a pivotal event for our state and county. This year, we were excited to bring our island’s stories and products to the heart of our nation’s capital. Our participation not only highlighted the resilience and creativity of Kaua‘i’s businesses but also fostered invaluable connections with policymakers and industry leaders.”

The event kicked off with a leadership dinner presented by Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Kaua‘i’s Anaina Hou Community Park, setting a collaborative tone for the week. Jill Lowry, CEO of Anaina Hou, highlighted the critical role of the event in supporting Kaua‘i’s resilience initiatives: “Sponsoring Hawai‘i on the Hill for the last two years has been an honor, and an opportunity to support the important work of both the Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce and the Kaua‘i Chamber, as well as raise awareness for the Kaua‘i Resilience Center’s crucial mission of saving lives and addressing community challenges.”

The welcome reception, hosted at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium and presented by Alaska Airlines and The Queen’s Health System, provided a relaxed environment for networking and building relationships. As Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo noted, “Hawai‘i on the Hill is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the lawmakers and regulators who play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact our island.”

Council Chair Rapozo, who was accompanied by fellow council members KipuKai Kuali‘i and Bernard Carvalho Jr., continued, “We are committed to securing a thriving future for Kaua‘i by leveraging the connections initiated this week.”

The highlight of the event was Taste of Hawai‘i on Capitol Hill, where participants showcased Hawai‘i products and businesses to US senators, congresspeople and Capitol Hill staff. This year’s exhibitors included Lydgate Farms, where owner Will Lydgate expressed his enthusiasm: “I was thrilled to get the invite from Senator Hirono and the Kaua‘i Chamber to participate in this year’s Hawai‘i on the Hill. This week presented a unique chance to build important in-person relationships with elected officials and executive branch leaders. These personal relationships pave the way for future opportunities, not just for Lydgate Farms but for our entire island community.”

According to the Kaua‘i Chamber, Hawai‘i on the Hill is an opportunity for Kaua‘i to present its vibrant local businesses and rich cultural heritage to key decision-makers in Washington D.C., fostering understanding and support for our island’s initiatives throughout the year.

Mark Perriello, president of the Kaua‘i Chamber expressed his gratitude for all the businesses and community leaders who helped ensure a strong showing from Kaua‘i this year.

“Kaua‘i County continued to shine at this year’s Hawai‘i on the Hill,” said Perriello. “Our success is an outgrowth of our collaborative community spirit and the understanding that Hawai‘i on the Hill represents an opening to secure federal support for our local businesses and the residents of our community.”

2024 Kaua‘i Based Participants:

• Anaina Hou Community Park Community
• County of Kaua‘i
• Kaua‘i Chamber
• Kaua‘i Coffee
• Kaua‘i Economic Development Board
• Kekaha Agriculture Association
• Lydgate Farms
• Pacific Missile Range Facility