On Wednesday January 17, ten intrepid members of the Convention of States Hawaii team braved insane parking problems, long security lines, and threatening bad weather to launch the team’s 9th annual legislative session in which COSHI team action will be prominent for the next 6 weeks.
Unlike previous Opening Day events which used to feature festive music, hula dancing, poi pounding, and multiple group advocacy displays, this year's Hawaii team volunteers were greeted with long lines to be scanned to enter the Capitol.
Undeterred, our steadfast volunteers worked the crowd collecting petition signatures and spreading the word about Article V before moving upstairs to visit their legislators’ offices once House and Senate opening ceremonies concluded.
Left: The COS display Table featured “Heat” Maps illustrating the level of support for COS in each district; Middle: Signe Godfrey and Jason Horstman collect signatures; Right: Ginger Goodwin & Chanara Richmond meet Rep Gene Ward.
Visiting legislators, even if only to shake their hands, is the purpose of Opening Day at the Capitol. Sometimes it is the only time volunteers can meet their elected representation. Members of the COSHi Team took full advantage of this and were able to confirm a new Senate Introducer for our Article V resolution—the powerful Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair, Senator Donovan DeLa Cruz!
Left: Signe, Mark & Jason visit Senator DeLa Cruz (2nd from left) to confirm he will file the COS resolution in the Senate for 2024. Middle: Brett makes his way to various office visits. Right: Even Mark’s Senator Michelle Kidani, said she would support COS if Sen DeLa Cruz is Introducer this year.
Each Wednesday for the next 6 weeks through February, the Hawaii team will be meeting at the Capitol at noon for one hour to distribute a variety of local and national COS literature items including the Heritage Foundation’s recent endorsement, district petition lists, the Pocket Guide, and more.
Join our Team by clicking here to become a volunteer and come to the Capitol at noon on Wednesdays!
