Page 6 - MidWeek Central - Feb 1, 2023

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FEBRUARY 1, 2023
We have officially welcomed 2023 with joyous cele- bration, and a chance for new beginnings filled with hope and promise. I am happy to share that our new legisla- tive session began on Jan. 18, when we kicked off a long-anticipated return to an in-person opening day cere- mony. It was exciting to see members of the community once again filling the Capitol as another step toward nor- malcy as we transition out of the pandemic.
STATE SEN. MICHELLE KIDANI
This Year Will Be A Chance For New Beginnings
While it has not been an easy road to navigate, I be- lieve we were united as a community and managed to continue living our lives despite such difficult times. I look forward to the 2023 legislative session and a new administration, as we begin a new chapter for Hawaiʻi.
I continue to be committed to improving Hawaiʻi’s edu- cation system by addressing teacher shortages and reten- tion through programs such as dedicated affordable hous- ing and educational pathways in partnership with local high schools and the Uni- versity of Hawai‘i system; supporting early childhood education initiatives, includ- ing universal pre-kindergar- ten programs; coordinating with various state agencies to establish educational and vocational tracks in kinder-
Contact state Sen. Mi- chelle Kidani (District 18 — Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park and Royal Kunia) — at 808-586-7100 or senkidani@ capitol.hawaii.gov.
The third-grade class from Mililani Uka Elementary School visits the
state Capitol on opening day of the Legislature. PHOTOS COURTESY THE OFFICE OF STATE SEN. MICHELLE KIDANI
One of the highlights in January was welcoming the entire third-grade class at Mililani Uka Elementary School to their Capitol. My staff and I had the pleasure of touring the students around the Capitol grounds. Senate communications director Jacob Aki and assistant ser- geant-at-arms Park Kaleiwa- hea both did an excellent job in explaining the history and symbolism of the House and Senate chambers. It was a breath of fresh air after long days of meetings to be able to welcome and deliver remarks to students at the Capitol; it also was a reminder of the tremendous work at the Cap- itol that will affect each and every one of them for years
Barnett comes to us from the city’s Department of Bud- get and Fiscal Services, and I have had the great pleasure of knowing and collaborating with her for many years. I am
to come. Mahalo nui to their teachers for this wonderful excursion and learning expe- rience.
thrilled to welcome her on my staff and look forward to the work we will accomplish together. My former commit- tee clerk, Scott Fuji, has tak- en a position with our newly established School Facilities Agency, which is tasked with building new pre-kindergar- ten classrooms and teacher housing.
garten-12th grade schools for emerging industries; and pur- suing school-level account- ability.
In that same spirit, I am happy to share important changes to our office here at the Hawai‘i state Capitol. I have recently moved our of- fice on the second floor to the Punchbowl/King streets side of the building in room 214, and I am proud to introduce my new committee clerk, Lisa Barnett. My office man- ager Danicia Honda, legisla- tive aide Jade Snow, session staffers Kim May and Kath- erine Ozawa, Barnett and I look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the up- coming legislative session.
I want to give my heartfelt mahalo nui to each and every one of you for allowing me to continue to represent the resi- dents of our beautiful Central Oʻahu community.
State Sen. Michelle Kidani (left) and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke pose for a photo at Kidani’s office on opening day of the Legislature.
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