Schatz Launches Neighbor Island Tour to Hear From Constituents
HONOLULU- During the week of March 29th, Senator Schatz will meet with constituents and stakeholders across neighbor islands and Oahu to discuss issues facing Hawai‘i today.
“My goal is to continue an open dialogue with my constituents so that I can hear from them on what I can do in Washington to better represent the people of Hawai‘i. Whether it’s our oceans, fisheries, parks, health care facilities, or small businesses, I’m seeking input from the entire community on issues affecting them,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “I’ve spent the last 90 days working towards concrete solutions to problems like sequestration, climate change, our nation’s budget and ways to increase tourism in Hawai‘i to grow our economy, and will continue to tackle these issues and others that are facing Hawai‘i today.”
Schatz will attend the following events over the next week:
Friday, March 29, 2013 - Oahu
As a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, Schatz will receive a briefing by Hawai’i Longliners on issues pertinent to the committee.
Schatz will tour a Planned Parenthood clinic and meet with Planned Parenthood CEO Andrea Anderson to discuss ways the federal government can ensure women’s access to affordable health care and preventative services that Planned Parenthood provides to thousands of women across the country. Schatz recently supported Senator Shaheen’s Amendment that will ensure that employers cannot deny coverage of basic services, such as access to contraception through private insurance plans, and other important family-planning services.
Senator Schatz and Representative Tulsi Gabbard will tour the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
Monday, April 1, 2013 - Kona
Schatz will walk a portion of the Ala Kahakai Trail and survey acreage available for acquisition by the National Park Service for the national historic trail.
Schatz will tour the West Hawai‘i Community Health Center and meet with personnel to discuss the services the center provides, federal funding, and how the federal government can help in order to better serve the community.
Schatz will visit the Kau i Ka Malie Technology Center located at Kealakehe School to discuss Native Hawaiian education programs. Schatz is a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and recently obtained funding for key Native Hawaiian educational programs.
As a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Schatz will meet with the head of the Department of Transportation Airports Division at Kona Airport to discuss the impact of sequestration.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - Oahu
Schatz will receive a full briefing from Pacific Command.
Schatz will speak at the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Meeting about our nation’s clean energy economy and the role that Hawai‘i will play as a leader in a clean energy future.
Schatz will meet with Justice for Filipino American Veterans to discuss pending legislation and the ways in which he can help ensure that Filipino Veterans receive fair compensation for their heroism.
Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Hilo
Schatz will visit the Hilo Vet Center to observe the incredible work of the facility and talk to the administrator and staff about services and outreach.
Schatz will tour the University of Hawaii-Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Medium Education System to discuss their efforts on Native Hawaiian issues and preserving the language.
As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Schatz will meet with the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge to discuss preserving Hawai‘i’s incredible natural resources. Schatz will also meet with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
Friday, April 5, 2013 – Kaua‘i
Schatz will meet with West Kaua‘i community business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board to discuss the growing economy and ways that the federal government can help small businesses.
Schatz will receive a briefing by military personnel and tour the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
Schatz will meet with Wilcox Hospital administrators to discuss implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
In an effort to expand tourism, Schatz will meet with the Kaua‘i Visitor’s Bureau to discuss these efforts, including the Senator’s first bill, the Pacific Islands Parks Act of 2013.
Saturday, April 6, 2013 – Maui
Schatz will attend the Maui Agricultural Festival.