Kauai climbs ‘The Hill’

Kauai’s contingent sent to this week’s “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C., was on a mission of aloha.

Call it a mission of success, as well, that saw Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami join his colleagues on stage for song and fellowship.

Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii celebrated the success of the Sixth Annual Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill, which drew over 60 Hawaii businesses and 2,000 attendees.

Each participant received a fresh orchid lei and learned about an array of Hawaii businesses representing the diversity of Hawaii’s economy.

“The Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill is the most popular state showcase on Capitol Hill, and every year we are privileged to host so many people interested in experiencing the rich diversity of our state,” Hirono said.

Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii president and CEO, said Hawaii on the Hill continues to set attendance records.

“Tonight’s Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill demonstrated that Hawaii’s business community will continue to make our voices heard on a national stage,” she said.

Kauai’s team sent to the event included the mayor, Mark Perriello, Kauai Chamber of Commerce president; Senate President Ron Kouchi; Pacific Missile Range Facility Commander Capt. Vinnie Johnson; Rep. Jimmy Tokioka; Kauai Coffee General Manager Fred Cowell and Koloa Rum President and CEO Bob Gunter.

A “Policy Summit” was also part of Hawaii on the Hill and Kouchi was among a group that kicked off the summit.

“Every day, Congress and the current administration make decisions that have a wide-ranging impact on Hawaii businesses, and it’s critical that our business community stays engaged in the conversation,” Menor-McNamara said. “The Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit continues to serve as a direct forum for our participants to stay up-to-date on the latest trade and other economic policy.”

Hawaii on the Hill is a partnership between Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The two-day event in our nation’s capital gives Hawaii businesses the opportunity to meet with news and policymakers while also showcasing Hawaii businesses and products to members of Congress and the Washington, D.C. community.