Convention of States Hawaii team members man their COS display table at the state Capitol, Wednedsay, January 15. Left to right: Emil Svrcina (DC), Donna Van Osdol (FUT), Rita Kama-Kimura (Vol), Jack Van Osdol (Vol), Brett Kulbis (GC), Jan ['Yon'] Tillmann (DC), and Mark White (SD).
Battling wet weather and unexpectedly large crowds, the Convention of States Hawaii team offered a uniquely COS point of view at the Hawaii State Capitol on Wednesday, January 15.
It was Opening Day for the second session of the Aloha State's 30th legislature and what a raucous event it was. Spurred on by the recent Thirty Meter Telescope and Kahuku Wind Farm protests, the capitol gathering featured a number of native Hawaiian groups voicing their push for greater Hawaii sovereignty and even independence from the U.S.
Through it all, Hawaii's team persevered and collected 15 petition signatures in just over an hour of display time.
Donna, Jan, and Rita collect petition signatures from crowd members attending Opening Day events.
Brett and Donna share a light moment. Mark gets a signature. The COSHI team enjoyed the busy day.
Once the House and Senate opening sessions ended, the team split into four groups and visited the offices of all 76 state legislators passing out palm cards and business cards and reminding office staff that the Convention of States team will return each Wednesday through February with new COS information.
Emil Svrcina visits with former Speaker of the House and COS sponsor Calvin Say (D), House District-20.
Next Week
Wednesday, January 22, is the second capitol visit for the COSHI team. It will be a very significant event, as team members will distribute three handouts:
- Copies of the 2020 House and Senate Concurrent Resolutions
- Listings of petition signatures by district
- Handwritten postcards collected to date (approximately 90)
Join the Team
Convention of States supporters in Hawaii are encouraged to join the team each Wednesday at the capitol from 1:15pm to 2:30pm through February to visit their legislator's office.
To learn more about Convention of States, visit our website here. Are you ready to become part of something bigger than yourself? Do you want to put your talents to use? Click here and become a volunteer to save our American republic!
