On January 18th State Director Mark White led a team of nine committed COS Hawai'i volunteers (Brett Kulbis SGC, Sheryl Bieler EC, Alberta Lono DC, Julie Yamato DC, Robert Fitzgibbons VCD/DC, Jim Ray DC, Ijeva Bambridge VOL, Chanara Richmond VOL, and supporter Rita Kama-Kimura), as they stormed the state capitol for opening day of the 32nd State Legislative session.
(Front L-R Alberta Lono, Julie Yamato, Jim Ray; Back L-R Robert Fitzgibbons, Chanara Richmond, Sheryl Bieler, Brett Kulbis, Ijeva Bambridge, Rita Kami-Kimura,
and Mark White)
While Legislators conducted their opening day ceremonies, thousands of voters, special interest groups and students gathered in the Capitol rotunda which gave Team Hawai'i the opportunity to garner twenty-five new petition signers.
Upon completion of the opening ceremonies, legislators returned to their offices for what is essentially an open house where they greeted constituents, took photos, and many offered local pupus for anyone visiting.
While this is unique and fun time, it was also the first real evidence we've returned to normal since January 2020 (read Defiance).
It's also the only day during the legislative session that we have an opportunity to speak to legislators without the hassle of trying to schedule a meeting, and Team Hawai'i took advantage.
DC Julie Yamato was able to arrange meetings with a previous sponsor and a potential new sponsor. Additionally, SGC Brett Kulbis was able to have a cordial conversation with Director of State Operations for Common Cause Heather Ferguson, who was visiting from New Mexico.
Overall opening day of the Hawai'i State Legislature is a golden opportunity for Team Hawai'i to promote COS, and they didn't waste it!
You too can be part of the COS Hawai'i ‘ohana’ by volunteering here, and join them at their next event the Great Guns gun show!
