Email Carolyn Lucas-Zenk at clucas-zenk@westhawaiitoday.com BY CAROLYN LUCAS-ZENK ADVERTISING STEPHENS MEDIA Congresswoman Mazie Hirono spent roughly 25 minutes Sunday wandering Alii Drive, where she perused merchandise, met residents, posed for photos, and talked story with vendors at the Kokua Kailua
BY CAROLYN LUCAS-ZENK
STEPHENS MEDIA
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono spent roughly 25 minutes Sunday wandering Alii Drive, where she perused merchandise, met residents, posed for photos, and talked story with vendors at the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll.
She was among several candidates with ready smiles and firm handshakes spotted pressing the flesh at this monthly festive event, which is designed to rally support for local merchants and restaurants.
Hirono, a former lieutenant governor and state lawmaker, was elected to the 2nd Congressional District, which covers rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands, in 2006. She is running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka.
When asked how constituents can reach her when she’s not campaigning, Hirono said she’s thrown herself into the tradition of meeting individuals every time she visits Hawaii County, giving them an opportunity to interact one-on-one and raise an issue. She also encouraged Big Islanders to call her toll-free at 935-3756 or send an email via her website, hirono.house.gov.
Hirono said her main objective at the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll was to find out how small businesses are doing in this economy and how much tourism is relied upon by some vendors.
During each conversation, Hirono mentioned the Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act, or VISIT USA Act, which would establish five-year multiple entry visas for Chinese visitors, extend the time Canadian retirees can stay in the U.S. from 180 days to 240 days, as well as make changes to the Visa Waiver Program and other low-cost reforms.
Hirono and Rep. David Dreier, R-California, introduced the bipartisan legislation that strives to cut red tape, reform U.S. visa policies, boost international tourism, create American jobs and increase the state’s economic growth. The measure could potentially bring an estimated 280,000 visitors yearly from China, Canada and other high-growth markets to Hawaii, she said.
Kona painter Alden Heglund said he recognized Hirono just before she walked up to his booth, helped prevent his tent from blowing away in the wind, and looked at his brightly-colored paintings of tropical scenery. He thought it was “pretty awesome of her” to attend the event, as well as share how she’s addressing issues specific to Hawaii’s tourism industry and the business community.
“I listened to her message. But I’m not sure exactly what I think of it,” he said. “I haven’t made up my mind about her or any of the candidates. I still have some more listening to do.”
Heglund told Hirono that “a good percentage” of his business comes from residents, but he also depends tourists. While sales for him were poor in the fall, Heglund said “the past few months have been stellar.” He hoped Hirono took away two points from their conversation: small businesses need just as much attention as big businesses and it’s important to keep boosting tourism.
Meeting Hirono was a highlight of Dave Karl’s day.
“I’ve known of her my entire adult life and she always gets my vote in every election because she works for the people,” said Karl, who owns Pele’s Glass Creations in Puna. “Also, I really appreciate her continued support for the Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation. It was a honor talking with her.”
Karl was even more “over the moon” when Hirono purchased one of his lava explosion glass ornaments, costing $15. Hirono said she often likes to buy something local while traveling. She purchased the ornament because she loves art, particularly ceramics, which is something she does.
Rose Matsuyama, owner of Waikoloa-based KBS Snacks, said it was nice that Hirono attended the event, introduced herself to several vendors and gave information about a measure that may help local businesses. She appreciated that Hirono showed “genuine interest” in their products, but was “surprised” when Hirono purchased a bag of kettle corn from her because “she really didn’t have to do that.”
Immediately following her short visit to the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, Hirono hosted a “coffee talk” to discuss “top-of-mind community issues” and education with constituents at the Kohala Intergenerational Center in Kapaau.
This week, when touring community colleges and a job corps training center, Hirono plans to talk with various students, parents, professors, administrators and business leaders statewide about education and workforce development.
Email Carolyn Lucas-Zenk at clucas-zenk@westhawaiitoday.com
