By Wendy Osher

Congresswoman Hirono hears from constituents at a Coffee Talk at Pine Tree Cafe in Kona. Photo courtesy, Office of Rep. Mazie Hirono.

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) begins a new round of Coffee Talk sessions this week to hear from constituents in Hilo, Kula and Kahului.

The schedule begins with a morning visit to the Kamana Senior Center for dialogue with seniors from the Hawaii County Elderly Activities Division about Medicare open enrollment.  The visit begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 21.

Hirono issued a reminder to all Hawaii residents that Medicare Open Enrollment began this week. During Open Enrollment, residents can change plans or shift from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare, but must complete changes by a December 7 deadline.

The next stop is a Women’s Issues Brown Bag Lunch at the Ululani Street YWCA in Hilo.  The gathering will include discussion on how women are weathering the challenges of today’s economy.

Also on Friday, Rep. Hirono will host a Coffee Talk for Hilo residents at 4 p.m. at the Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm on Kalanianaole Avenue.

Rep. Hirono then travels to the Valley Isle for two gatherings on Saturday, October 22.  The first stop will be at the Alii Kula Lavender Farm for a 2 p.m. Lavender Tea Time event; followed by 4:30 p.m. Coffee Talk at Da Kitchen Cafe in Kahului.

Congresswoman Hirono assists young children at the Tutu and Me traveling preschool program. Photo courtesy, Office of Rep. Mazie Hirono.

Prior to visiting the neighbor islands, Hirono will attend a rally at the State Capitol to support Hawai’i after school programs.  The “Lights On Afterschool” Rally begins at 3 p.m., Thursday, October 20 at the Capitol Rotunda.

Earlier this week, Rep. Hirono provided an update on her efforts to strengthen the the nation’s early education programs.

Hirono–who is a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education–introduced the Continuum of Learning Act of 2011 in August.  On October 11, Senator Bob Casey introduced the Senate version of the bill.

Hirono said the bills are aimed at creating a smooth transition for students from preschool to kindergarten, providing the youngest learners with the support and foundation they need for future success.