Aloha,

I appreciate your interest in our democratic system of government and welcome your input in ways that we carry out our duties.

It is a great honor to represent Maunawili, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, and Kaneohe at the Hawaii State House of Representatives. I will make every effort to be attentive to your concerns and to inform you of important news from the Legislature.

Mahalo,
Pono Chong
State Representative
49th District

BIOGRAPHY

Education
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Communications
St. Louis High School
Enchanted Lake Elementary School

Political Office
Hawaii State House of Representatives, 2004-Present

Professional
Part Time Teacher, PAAC Program - Kaimuki High School
President, Hawaii International Taiko, LLC
Assistant Project Coordinator, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Assistant to Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Community
Windward Jaycees
Kaneohe Business Group
Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club
Castle High School, Family and Friends
Kailua High School, SCBM
Honolulu Japanese Jr. Chamber of Commerce, President

TOPICS OF INTEREST

• Kawai Nui Marsh
  As the Representative of the windward community of Kailua, Oahu, Representative Chong is concerned with the management of Kawai Nui Marsh. House Bill No. 3056, H.D. 2, would have helped to restore and rehabilitate the resources of Kawai Nui Marsh by clarifying jurisdictional and other issues between the City and County of Honolulu and the State regarding the marsh lands. However, this measure failed to gain legislative approval.
  
  
• Information Security
  In this Internet age, identity theft has become prevalent, victimizing many of Hawaii's residents. House Bill No. 2836, H.D. 1, introduced by Representative Chong, would have established a governmental information security task force to formulate an information security plan for all departments and agencies to ensure the security of information provided to the State by Hawaii's residents. However, this measure failed to gain legislative approval.
  
  
• Invasive Species
  An advocate for the environment, Representative Chong understands the need to protect Hawaii's unique natural environment from the threat of invasive species. He has introduced House Bill No. 2263, H.D. 2, which would have established the Invasive Species Inspection, Quarantine, and Eradication Fund (Fund) to be used for the operation of inspection and monitoring programs and facilities at ports of entry in the state. This Fund would also be used for emergency remedial measures when invasive species are detected at the ports of entry. However, this measure failed to gain Senate approval.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• Feb. 9, 2006. House bill proposes to transfer Kawai Nui Marsh to the State. (More)