CSC Bill-Outline Community Collaboration Reflection
The Chamber of Sustainable Commerce (CSC) bill-outline collaboration event on October 19, 2023 was a success, with over 50 business owners and community members participating. The event was designed to gather input from the community on what legislation they would like to see introduced in the upcoming legislative session to strengthen the economy while uplifting workers, enriching communities, and safeguarding the environment.
Participants began the day by reviewing a list of bill ideas that CSC members had already been formulating. They then broke into small groups to discuss the ideas and add their own to the mix. Each group then presented their ideas to the larger group for discussion and feedback.
The bill ideas that were generated at the event included a wide range of topics, such as:
Raising the minimum wage
Protecting Oahu's pure water aquifer by shutting down Red Hill fuel tanks
Achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035
Reducing petroleum-based waste from the environment
Creating more affordable housing
Supporting small businesses
Investing in education and workforce development
CSC will now compile the list of bill ideas and share them with legislators to consider incorporating into the bills they will introduce next January. CSC will also track any bill that includes concepts and perspectives that came out of the collaboration event and keep CSC members updated throughout the legislative process.
Overall, the CSC bill-outline collaboration event was a positive and productive experience. Participants were engaged and enthusiastic, and there was a wealth of ideas generated. CSC is grateful to everyone who participated in the event and is excited to see how their input helps to shape the legislative agenda in the upcoming session.
Here are some specific examples of how well the event went:
Participants were able to identify a wide range of important issues that they would like to see addressed in legislation.
There was a lot of constructive discussion and feedback, and participants were able to build consensus on some key priorities.
CSC is committed to following up on the event and ensuring that the community's input is considered by legislators.
Overall, the CSC bill-outline collaboration event was a success that will help to advance the Chamber's mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable economy for Hawaii.
Checkout Snapshots of the Event:
Nanea Lo, HAPA’s Administrative and Programs Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
