PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Host 8th Annual “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, hosted several events as part of the 8th Annual Hawaii on the Hill (HOH) in Washington, D.C. Hawaii on the Hill, a partnership between Senator Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Hawaii, was a four-day event that provided members of the Hawaii business community with the opportunity to meet directly with Congressional leaders and Administration officials, while also showcasing Hawaii businesses and products to Members of Congress, their staff, and the D.C. community. This year, dozens of individuals from across the islands, representing nearly 60 Hawaii businesses and nonprofits from the state, were in attendance.

“This year’s Hawaii on the Hill events were a huge success—from the welcome reception to the policy summit, local business owners and members of the Hawaii community had many opportunities to connect with federal policymakers, experts, and my colleagues here in D.C.,” said Senator Hirono. “Mahalo to all of the people and businesses who made these events possible, especially our popular ‘Taste of Hawaii on the Hill’ event—it is no small task to prepare perishable products and supplies, then ship them thousands of miles across the country. I am grateful for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s partnership in hosting a successful 8^th Annual Hawaii on the Hill, and I look forward to continuing our work together to support Hawaii’s small businesses and business owners.”

“Taste of Hawaii on the Hill is one of our greatest ambassadors of culture during our visit to Washington, D.C.,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. “This served as a signature event to bring the capitol community together, in unity, around a shared love for the products and services of Hawaii. This year more than a thousand people came from offices from across the nation to celebrate the culture of Hawaii. Our 2024 delegation of proprietors represented the delicious diversity of our business community from across the state.”

In addition to Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi served as an Honorary Co-Chair of Hawaii on the Hill.

At the beginning of the week, Senator Hirono participated in a fireside chat and talk story event moderated by Sherry Menor-McNamara, CoC Hawaii President and CEO. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Senator Hirono about her work in the Senate to support Hawaii businesses and communities and also engaged with the Senator in a Q&A.

Senator Hirono and Sherry Menor-McNamara during the Fireside Chat.

Later that day, Senator Hirono and CoC Hawaii hosted the highly anticipated Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill. More than 1,000 people attended this year’s event, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience and learn more about Hawaii’s unique culture through cuisine, music, and more. The venue was decorated with beautiful flowers and foliage from Hawaii, and each guest received a fresh orchid lei upon arrival. Attendees also enjoyed live music performed by Hawaii artists as they visited each table and sampled delicious food and drink from across the islands. Some of this year’s exhibitors included: Kauai Coffee; The Orchid Lei Company; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Department of Agriculture; Hawaiian Chip Company; Kauai Kookie; Koloa Rum; Hawaiian Airlines; Alaska Airlines; and the University of Hawaii.

Senator Hirono, Sherry Menor-McNamara, and Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, join others in singing “Hawaii Aloha” at the conclusion of the event.

On Tuesday morning, Senator Hirono hosted the Hawaii on the Hill Policy Summit, which featured remarks from Susan Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration; Alejandra Castillo, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Commerce; David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); and Jennifer DeCesaro, Senior Director for Resilience at the White House. The speakers discussed a variety of issues important to businesses in Hawaii and across the country, including the unique challenges local businesses in Hawaii face, federal assistance for those affected by last year’s wildfires in Lahaina, programs that provide support for businesses and nonprofits in Hawaii, and building community resilience and partnerships.

Senator Hirono, Sherry Menor-McNamara, Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi, and Hawaii on the Hill attendees in the Russell Rotunda.

Photos of the Fireside Chat are available here.

Photos of the Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill are available here and videos are available here.

Photos of the Policy Summit are available here.

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