~ Flagship Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill event attracted 1,500 attendees, including Members of Congress, Congressional leaders, and staff ~
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, welcomed more than 200 individuals from Hawaii, representing over 90 businesses and nonprofits from across the state, for the 9th Annual Hawaii on the Hill in Washington, D.C. Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, provides members of the Hawaii business community with the opportunity to meet directly with Congressional leaders, while also showcasing Hawaii businesses and products to Members of Congress, their staff, and the D.C. community.
“Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are foundational to Hawaii’s culture, communities, and economy, and engagement at every level of government is crucial to setting these businesses and businessowners up for success,” said Senator Hirono. “From our policy summit with federal leaders to the flagship Taste of Hawaii, Hawaii on the Hill provides members of the Hawaii community with the opportunity to connect with Congressional leaders, federal policymakers, and experts in D.C. I am grateful to all of the people and businesses who made these events such a success, and look forward to our continued partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as we work together to support our small businesses.”
“Hawaii on the Hill continues to be a powerful platform to showcase the best of our state, and this year’s events were nothing short of incredible,” says Sherry Menor, President and CEO at Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “From the strong turnout at our Policy Summit, State of Tech and Workforce Insights seminars to a Taste of Hawaii on the Hill cultural celebration that truly wowed, we were proud to bring the spirit of aloha to D.C. in partnership with U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono. Her continued support helps amplify our voice and strengthen opportunities for Hawaii’s businesses on a national stage.”
In addition to Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an Honorary Co-Chair of Hawaii on the Hill.
At the beginning of the week, Senator Hirono participated in a fireside chat and talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor, CoC Hawaii President and CEO. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Senator Hirono about her work in the Senate to support Hawaii businesses and communities and also engaged with the Senator in a Q&A.
The following day, Senator Hirono hosted the Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured remarks from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D.; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Dilawar Syed, former Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration; Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property; and Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
The speakers discussed a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaii and across the country, including the unique challenges local businesses in Hawaii face, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in Hawaii, and building community resilience and partnerships.
Later that evening, Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill. Over 1,500 people attended this year’s event, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaii’s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more. Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Hawaii artists as they visited different tables and sampled different products from across the islands. Some of this year’s exhibitors included: Hawaii Farm Bureau; Aloun Farms; Kauai Kookie; Koloa Rum; Lappert’s Ice Cream; The Orchid Lei Company; Hawaiian Chip Company; Maui Gold; and the University of Hawaii.
Photos of the Fireside Chat are available here.
Photos of the Policy Summit are available here.
Photos of the Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill are available here and videos are available here.
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