These past few years have been difficult, and it is an honor and a privilege to work on your behalf as your State Senator. More than in any years of the past, we’ve been able to dedicate unprecedented resources toward addressing some of those persistent challenges in our county and state.

This year, over $200 million was dedicated to Kauaʻi for education, housing, and to improve or repair infrastructure like roads, bridges and facilities.

We’ve learned the lessons of the recent past which has underscored the importance of a strong system of medical care, and the Legislature has responded with over $9 million for the Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial and the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospitals as well as funding to increase mental health services.

To help working men and women, the minimum wage was raised and the earned income tax credit was made permanent which will put hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of those who need it most.

Additionally, $600 million was dedicated to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Office of Hawaiian Affairs to address the problems of the long standing
wait-lists for homes.

One of pressing problems I learned about from my daughter-in-law that had not been on my radar, was about girls missing school due to their period and lack of period products. We were able to provide assistance to the Maʻi Movement, which works to end period poverty and helps distribute menstrual products to girls in school.

This is just a snapshot of some of the things we accomplished in the 2022 Legislative session. As I seek another term in the State Senate, I humbly ask for your vote to allow me to continue to represent you, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Mahalo Nui Loa,

Ron Kouchi
Hawaii State Senate
8th District (Kaua’i and Ni’ihau)

KOUCHI, RONALD (D) FOR SENATE