Central Oahu’s Got Talent!

District Matters …Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

We’re near the midway point of the 2014 Legislature, which just finished the first crossover of bills. You can track them by visiting Capitol.Hawaii.gov. Please continue to stay informed about current measures migrating through the process. RepMatsumoto.com also should have updates.

It’s also a busy time in the community, full of exciting events that I am privileged to be a part of, such as the Character Counts Fair, where children took a pledge of trustworthiness and received certificates for their commitment to good character. Our office had a booth and gave out jump ropes so the keiki could “jump into” healthy living.

I also interacted with area elementary school keiki. Most rewarding was Dr. Seuss Read Across America, an event to commemorate Dr. Seuss’s birth and his contribution to American literature and children’s love of reading worldwide. A bill to note is HB1596, which would establish a statewide literacy program.

Working with high school students always is exciting for me, and seeing our next generation of leaders excel reinforces my optimism for Hawaii’s future. I was a judge at the Central District level of National History Day and Hawaii Future Farmers of America competitions. Both gave me insight into how academically promising today’s students really are. One bill I strongly support is HB2008, HD1, which will continue funding for FFA programs.

Judging a JROTC talent show and Mililani’s Brown Bags to Stardom impressed me with the talent young people in my district have. I truly enjoyed judging these events, although they forced me to make some tough decisions! As a panelist at the Central District Secondary Student Conference I saw the depth of interest and determination students have to be informed and involved.

Mililani High’s “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” team took first at the state level and will represent Hawaii at nationals next month. Guided by teacher Dr. Amy Perruso, this group participated in mock-congressional hearings that tested their public speaking and analytical skills. (Related HB1797 would high school seniors details on voting.)

While I strive to pass measures that benefit my community, being a part of events like these gives me opportunities to interact with and understand my constituents.

Please come to my evening community meetings March 31 at Waialua Elementary and April 2 at Mililani High.

Contact state Rep. Lauren Kealohilani Matsumoto, R-District 45 (Mililani-Wahiawa) at 586-9490, rep-matsumoto@capitol.hawaii.