Women’s Legislative Caucus Makes Family-Friendly Changes at State Capitol

The Hawai‘i State Capitol now provides diaper changing stations to make it easier for families visiting the Capitol. Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) contractors recently installed diaper changing stations in both men’s and women’s bathrooms in the chamber, second, third and fourth floors of the State Capitol. 

House and Senate leaders of the bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus pushed for installation of diaper changing stations after learning that families attending Children and Youth Day had to change their children’s diapers on the bathroom floor. In 2019, the WLC also spearheaded the creation of a lactation room on the second floor of the State Capitol.

“As a mother of two young children, I know how important it is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for kids and families,” said Representative Lauren Matsumoto (House District 45, Schofield, Mokulē‘ia, Waialua, Kunia, Waipio Acres, Mililani). “Our State Capitol should be no exception.”

“As a Senate co-convener of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, and a grandmother, I am glad to see our State Capitol ready to welcome back the public, especially our youngest residents,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani (Senate District 18, Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia).

The Women’s Legislative Caucus co-conveners for 2021-2022 are Senators Rosalyn H. Baker and Michelle N. Kidani and Representatives Lauren Matsumoto and Linda Ichiyama. The Women’s Legislative Caucus includes 16 women Representatives in the House and 10 women Senators.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus reports that the project was completed on time and under budget.