Jill On The Job

“Rep. Jill Tokuda Newsletter-May 2024.” Her latest Congressional Report.

Views expressed in this Hawaii State News update and Congressional Report are those of Representative Jill Tokuda. Accessed on 21 May 2024, 0233 UTC.

Content and Source: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxTPChBwvnKVBBlbBPdwBsVZDt/Rep. Jill Tokuda Newsletter-May 2024.

Please scroll down to read your report. Thanks for joining us today.

Aloha Russell,

It’s been busy in Washington, D.C. and Hawaiʻi, but I want to make sure you know what my team and I have been up to recently.

Rep. Tokuda’s Amendment to Add $5 Billion for Long-Term Disaster Recovery

On April 18th, during the Houseʻs consideration of the national security funding package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, Rep. Tokuda offered an amendment to add $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to help disaster-impacted communities like Maui receive support for long-term recovery. CDBG-DR assistance is administered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development and provides critical funds to address unmet recovery needs to distressed areas for disaster relief, infrastructure restoration, housing, and economic revitalization.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Visit to Washington, D.C.

Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Fumio Kishida visited Washington, D.C. to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. During PM Kishida’s official visit, he joined President Biden at a Japan-U.S. Meeting Summit and delivered remarks to a joint meeting of Congress where he highlighted the invaluable global partnership between the U.S. and Japan, especially for the defense of the Indo-Pacific region. PM Kishida also visited the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II, where he planted a cherry blossom tree to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. He was joined by Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Tokuda, and Ken Inouye, son of the late senator.

Rep. Tokuda Celebrates Release of Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter in D.C. and Hawaiʻi:

In D.C., Rep. Tokuda joined Sen. Hirono, Patsy Mink’s daughter, Gwendolyn Mink, and officials from the U.S. Mint in an event to celebrate the release of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter. During the event, Rep. Tokuda shared remarks – recognizing the inspiration of the late Representative Patsy Mink. In Maui, Rep. Tokuda participated in the unveiling of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter at Patsy Mink’s alma mater, Maui High School, where she spoke with female student athletes and the student government. The 12th coin in the American Women Quarters Program commemorates and honors the achievements of Patsy Takemoto Mink as the first woman of color in Congress and the champion of Title IX, which opened opportunities for women in education and school sports.

Rep. Tokuda’s Visits Across the Second Congressional District

Throughout April, Rep. Tokuda visited Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Leeward side of Oʻahu, where she met with various organizations and constituents to understand the challenges they face.

Lānaʻi: Rep. Tokuda visited the Lānaʻi branch of First Hawaiian Bank to learn about the impact of the branch’s closure on the community. She also toured the Lānaʻi Community Health Center and heard from patients about the quality care they received. Rep. Tokuda also toured the Manele Boat Harbor to receive updates on the ongoing maintenance, spoke to Lānaʻi High and Elementary School students, and met with some of Lānaʻi’s community leaders. Lastly, she participated in the groundbreaking of the expansion of the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary which shelters cats, including 220 rescued from the Lahaina fires.

Maui: Rep. Tokuda attended Lahainaluna’s David Malo Day, where she joined in the commemoration of the life and legacy of one of Lahainaluna’s first honored graduates, David Malo. Rep. Tokuda also toured Kamehameha School’s property in Lahaina to discuss their plans to support the residents of Maui and agricultural production efforts.

Hawaiʻi Island: Rep. Tokuda visited Hilo where she met with Council Chair Heather Kimball and supported local businesses at the Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair. She also joined YMCA Hilo in welcoming and recognizing 15 Papa Hula O Lahainaluna High School students who performed in the Merrie Monarch Festival. Rep. Tokuda also toured the Kona International Airport and spoke with airport officials about the $87.6 million runway project that will be moving forward with the help of federal funding. Rep. Tokuda also hosted a Kona Community Town Hall, where she listened to residents’ concerns, answered questions, and provided updates on her work in Congress.

Kauaʻi: Rep. Tokuda attended the grand opening of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge’s viewpoint and provided remarks. The refuge protects Hawaiian waterbird populations and native plant communities important to our ecosystem.

Oʻahu: Rep. Tokuda joined the family of the late Senator Akaka and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the grand opening of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic in Kapolei, where our veterans can receive quality care in a full-service health facility. Rep. Tokuda also joined the Waiʻanae Moku Kupuna Council (WMKC) on a visit to Makuā Valley, Lualualei, and Kolekole Pass on the Leeward side of Oʻahu. She listened to community concerns about preserving cultural access and ensuring emergency access.

Requesting Public Comments for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The Department of the Army (Army) has made the Second Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) available to the public, regarding its proposed actions to retain Pōhakuloa Training Area on Hawaiʻi Island. The Army is inviting public comments on the Draft EIS during the 45-day public comment period and public meetings will be held to provide information on the Draft EIS and to encourage public participation. To be considered in the Final EIS, all comments must be received by Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:59pm HST.

For more information on how to participate in the meetings and to submit comments, please visit: bit.ly/EIScomment.

Constituent Services Update for May 2024

Rep. Tokuda’s office offers various support to constituents across the Second Congressional District (CD2). If you or someone you know has an issue with any federal agency, please visit tokuda.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency or call (808) 746-6220.