Ku‘i at the Capitol; People Over Profits Rally
The Opening Day of the Twenty-Eighth Hawaiʻi Legislative session takes place today at 10 a.m. in the Senate Chambers as lawmakers begin the second year of the legislative biennium. Leaders say the Legislature will hold a modest opening to the session with a business as usual approach. In conjunction with opening day, 20 groups are calling on legislators to “protect people and the planet over profits.”
The grassroots rally at the capitol rotunda includes participation from the Sierra Club Hawaii, Hawaii SEED, and Gary Hooser of the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action.
Organizers say they are seeking a more progressive Hawaii with the rally serving as a reminder that government is for the people, not the corporations.
The event complements the annual “Kuʻi at the Capitol” event hosted by Hui Aloha ‘Aina Momona.
The Kuʻi 2016 event is focused on youth empowerment and community participation. More than 500 students from a mixture of public, private, charter and preschools are confirmed to attend.
Participants will pound 1,000 pound of kalo (taro) today at the capitol. Some of the Maui residents participating today include Timothy Lara, Alika Atay, Hogan Kania and Brian Bardellini.