Taking Pride In Office And In Our Community

District Matters…Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

As we head into the holiday season and the end of 2013, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on this past year.

For me personally, there have been a lot of big changes: I was honored with the opportunity to represent the community where I was born and raised, served my first session as a legislator and was blessed to marry the love of my life, Scott Matsumoto.

As I look back on all that has happened, what warms my heart the most is all of the different community events I have been able to be a part of.

From attending the opening day of AYSO, to the anniversary of Waialua Public Library, to the celebration of homecoming festivities, as well as accomplishments in OIA and state athletic competitions – I have had a front-row seat to watch our community not only come together, but work together to make a difference.

I got to interact with some of the most adorable keiki at Trunk-or-Treat at Waialua Elementary, and participate in the Waialua, Wahiawa and Mililani Christmas parades. These events have given me such a sense of pride to see my communities partake in the festivities and joy of the holidays.

This strong sense of community is what makes Hawaii so special.

I have been blessed to have experienced so much and met so many. Mahalo nui loa for these opportunities and for the privilege to serve you.

As we move into the new year, I ask that you consider making a New Year’s resolution to take that same sense of community that we see at high school athletic events, band concerts or on the Saturday soccer field and bring it to our state Legislature.

From the start of the 2014 Legislative Session beginning Jan. 15, there are so many opportunities to move forward as a community to affect our future.

Whether it’s contacting your legislators on issues you care about, coming down to the Capitol to testify or registering to vote, I encourage you to become a part of the process.

The best way to elicit positive change is for everyone to work together. In an ongoing effort to enhance the communication between the Legislature and you, please take the time to visit my web-site, repmatsumoto.com. Once there, you easily can select issues that are important to you and get information throughout the session.

If you have any questions about anything that happens, either in our community or at the Capitol, email me at repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, call 586-9490, or stop by the Capitol at Room 303.

I always look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

With much appreciation for the past, I am excited for what is to come and where the new year will lead us.

I wish you and yours a very Mele Kalikimaka, a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!