Sen. Troy Hashimoto

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Sen. Troy Hashimoto Proudly representing Kahului, Wailuku, Waikapu Mauka, Waiehu, Waihee in the Hawaii State Senate. Government Official

Aside from the many sessions at the U.S.-Japan Council conference, my time in Japan was incredibly productive, filled wi...
10/16/2026

Aside from the many sessions at the U.S.-Japan Council conference, my time in Japan was incredibly productive, filled with meaningful discussions about the future of Hawaiʻi and our international partnerships.

I had the distinct honor of meeting with members of the National Diet, which serves as Japan’s bicameral national legislature. I met with Matsuyama Masaji, a senior Member of the House of Councillors and former Minister of State, alongside Horii Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both leaders are actively involved in the Japan-Hawaiʻi Legislators Friendship Association, a dedicated group that is vital to fostering strong diplomatic and cultural ties between our regions.

I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Okayama Governor Ryuta Ibaragi to further our newly established sister-state relationship, and I was pleased to connect with former Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki. Hiroshima is one of Hawaiʻi’s closest and most deeply rooted sister states. A fun fact I learned during the trip: Governor Yuzaki, who recently retired after 16 years of dedicated service, and Governor Ibaragi have known each other since college, as they both graduated from the University of Tokyo!

Because housing and infrastructure remain top priorities for our state, our delegation conducted very informative site visits. We toured Daito Kentaku to understand the absolute latest in Japanese building technology and efficiency.

Thereafter, we met with the leadership team at Tokyu Corporation to learn how to better execute Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) investments.

We walked through their Futako Tamagawa development, which is a masterclass in how to truly integrate transportation infrastructure, residential housing, and commercial spaces into one cohesive portfolio. Tokyu is currently working incredibly hard on their massive Shibuya redevelopment, and we sincerely hope we can leverage some of their world-class expertise to build more connected, accessible communities back home in Hawaiʻi.

It has been an incredibly illuminating past few days in Tokyo attending the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference.I am ho...
10/15/2026

It has been an incredibly illuminating past few days in Tokyo attending the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference.

I am honored to participate as a member of the newly launched Young Professional Leadership Delegation (YPLD).

This unique program has provided our delegation with direct exposure to some of the top executives in Japan, including leadership from Seven & i Holdings (7-Eleven), MUFG, Tokyu Corporation (the TOD developer of Shibuya Station), Microsoft Japan, and PayPay, alongside some amazing cohort members from across the United States and Japan.

During the conference, I also had the privilege of serving on a panel focused on the “New Era of Hawaiʻi-Japan Investments.” In my remarks, I highlighted how we in the legislature are laying the groundwork for future innovation by streamlining state regulations.

I firmly believe that Hawaiʻi is positioned perfectly to serve as the ideal gateway for Japanese innovation and investment entering the United States.

Taking the time to travel and build these relationships face-to-face is absolutely vital for the future of our state. The direct conversations we are having with global industry leaders about resilient infrastructure, startup policies, and sustainable housing translate directly into real opportunities for our local communities. By fostering these cross-border investments, we are opening doors for partnerships and solutions that will help build and strengthen Maui and our entire state.

Thank you to the U.S.-Japan Council for convening such an impactful event and for investing in the next generation of leaders.

It was great to attend the Maui Non-Profit Directors Association awards ceremony and the induction of their new officers...
10/09/2026

It was great to attend the Maui Non-Profit Directors Association awards ceremony and the induction of their new officers. Our non-profit leaders are the backbone of our community, and it is vital to recognize the incredible work they do for our island every day.

I want to extend a sincere congratulations to Jee Lee of Maui United Way for being named Executive Director of the Year. She will also be serving as the association’s President for another year.

Congratulations are also in order for Kalei's Lunch Box, which was recognized as Community Business of the Year, and to our Humanitarians of the Year, Kyle Kawakami of Maui Fresh Streatery and Priscilla Veilleux. Your dedication to uplifting Maui is truly inspiring and deeply appreciated.

It was also wonderful to catch up with my friend Kaleena Wakamatsu, who was just recently named the Chief Operating Officer of the Maui Food Bank.

Thank you to everyone who serves in our local non-profit sector. Your unwavering commitment to making Maui a better place does not go unnoticed.

Mark your calendars for a wonderful autumn event!The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Buddhist Temple Buddhist Women's Associat...
10/09/2026

Mark your calendars for a wonderful autumn event!

The Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Buddhist Temple Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) is hosting their Autumn Craft and Food Fair on October 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The event will take place at the temple located at 1828 Vineyard Street.

This is a perfect opportunity to find beautiful crafts made by the BWA, as well as unique items from various vendors joining from both Maui and Oʻahu. It is always a great time gathering with friends, enjoying delicious food, and supporting our local creators and organizations.

Congratulations to former Vice President Michelle Kidani on her retirement from the Hawai'i Senate. I recently attended ...
10/08/2026

Congratulations to former Vice President Michelle Kidani on her retirement from the Hawai'i Senate. I recently attended a celebration party to recognize all her years of service.

During her time at the Capitol, she represented the communities of Mililani, Waikele, and Kunia. She was also the long-standing Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, where her work focused on policies related to school facilities and early childhood education across the state.

Thank you, Senator Kidani, for your many years of service to the people of Hawaiʻi. I wish you health, happiness, and all the best as you enjoy your retirement.

Planning for the future of our keiki is one of our most important responsibilities. I attended the new Central Maui Midd...
10/04/2026

Planning for the future of our keiki is one of our most important responsibilities.

I attended the new Central Maui Middle School open house hosted by the Hawaii School Facilities Authority to see the vision taking shape.

The School Facilities Authority is actively gathering community input, and it was exciting to view the latest floor plans and conceptual designs alongside residents and educators.

Because this will be a design-build project, having the community involved early is critical to ensuring the final campus truly serves the needs of our Central Maui families.

While we have successfully secured a portion of the funding to get this vital project moving forward, our work is not done. I am committed to working hard at the legislature to secure the remaining funds required to bring this much-needed, state-of-the-art middle school to fruition.

Thank you to everyone who came out to share their voices and help shape the future of public education on Maui!

There is nothing quite like the energy and excitement of the Maui Fair! From the incredible smells of the local food boo...
10/03/2026

There is nothing quite like the energy and excitement of the Maui Fair! From the incredible smells of the local food booths to the bright lights of the carnival rides, it is always a highlight of the year for our community.

The food as usual was delicious, and it was so wonderful to walk the grounds and see so many familiar faces and friends enjoying their time together. A major standout was the drone show that lit up the night sky, bringing a modern and unforgettable touch to our beloved island tradition.

A huge thank you and great job to Fair Director Daryl Fujiwara for his outstanding coordination. Putting together an event of this scale takes immense dedication and countless hours of planning, and his hard work truly paid off to create a fantastic experience for everyone.

This week, as we remember the time of year traditionally dedicated to the Maui Fair, I am excited to share another fasci...
10/01/2026

This week, as we remember the time of year traditionally dedicated to the Maui Fair, I am excited to share another fascinating look into our local history. Courtesy of the Takamori family, we are exploring the September 1974 issue of "Maui Today", a former publication of Alexander and Baldwin.

The cover of this issue fittingly celebrates the opening of the 52nd Maui County Fair. It features a vibrant nighttime photograph of the rides and games in the Joy Zone.

One major feature details a shift in the skyline at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company Puunene Mill. In 1974, a fourth smokestack was installed to accommodate a new four-million-dollar boiler. The article notes that employees of the central shops meticulously rolled and welded flat pieces of sheet metal to create the base of the stack. An outside contractor was then brought in to lift the massive sections into place, including one piece that weighed approximately 22 tons, ultimately raising the new stack to a height of 126 feet.

The issue also celebrates the grand opening of the Tasaka Guri Guri Shop at the Maui Mall. Relocating from the Kahului Shopping Center, owner-manager Henry Tasaka opened this bright new 860-square-foot location to serve their famous pineapple and strawberry sherbet. The article shares that the family recipe was developed by his grandfather, Jokichi Tasaka, who settled on Maui half a century prior. Interestingly, the unique name "guri-guri" originated from older Japanese residents attempting to pronounce the phrase "goody-goody".

The issue also includes the summer wedding announcement of my former teacher, Byron Tanaka, and his bride, Marsha where they held a luau reception at the Aloha Restaurant.

Does anyone remember attending the 1974 Maui County Fair or grabbing a cup of guri-guri right after the Maui Mall shop opened?

A warm Maui welcome to sister city Mayor Naoki Edahiro, Assembly Chair Takenori Tsureishi, and the Fukuyama City Assembl...
10/01/2026

A warm Maui welcome to sister city Mayor Naoki Edahiro, Assembly Chair Takenori Tsureishi, and the Fukuyama City Assembly delegation joining us for for the Maui Fair!

Hosting our friends is especially meaningful after I visited Fukuyama this past May to celebrate their annual Rose Festival. My connection to the Fukuyama-Maui partnership spans many years, from my early days as a County Council staffer to first meeting Mayor Edahiro after he was elected when I was a new House member. I am incredibly grateful for our continued friendship.

Our sister-city relationship is built on a strong foundation of cultural exchange. As we look to the future, a key priority is furthering our educational partnerships. By creating more opportunities for students from Maui and Fukuyama to connect, we will ensure this meaningful bond thrives for generations.

I hope the entire delegation has a wonderful time experiencing the food, exhibits, and unique aloha spirit that make our fair so special!

State and county offices, public schools, and University of Hawaiʻi campuses and facilities across Maui County will clos...
09/24/2026

State and county offices, public schools, and University of Hawaiʻi campuses and facilities across Maui County will close Friday, September 25, as Hawaiʻi prepares for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo.
These closures are intended to give families time to prepare, keep people off the roads, and allow emergency personnel to respond safely as the storm may bring heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, and hazardous conditions.

Please take time now to:
• Secure outdoor items
• Charge phones and other essential devices
• Prepare food, water, and necessary medications
• Avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded areas
• Follow updates from state and county emergency officials
Essential government services and emergency operations will continue. Judiciary facilities will announce closures separately.

Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications at https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

For the latest information, visit the National Weather Service in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/.

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415 S Beretania St
Honolulu, HI
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