House Democratic Caucus

Hawaii State House of Representatives Democratic Caucus



3rd House District - South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Kea'au, Kurtistown
Chair, Committee on Agriculture Member, Committee on Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs Member, Committee on Tourism, Culture & International Affairs Member, Committee on Judiciary Member, Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
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Dear Friends, Mahalo for taking the time to visit the Majority Caucus website! It is both a privilege and an honor to once again serve the people of South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Kea`au, and Kurtistown. I am also delighted to continue my chairmanship of the House Committee on Agriculture, in which capacity issues of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and bio-security remain top priorities for our state's agricultural industry. The current economic crisis has presented us with unprecedented challenges demanding of lawmakers creative and innovative solutions to our state's most pressing problems. I also believe that only in working together can we weather these stormy and uncertain times while safeguarding our quality of life. Toward that end, I look forward to collaborating with you in helping to make our home a healthy, thriving, and prosperous one. Mahalo, Clift Tsuji State Representative 3rd District

TOPICS OF INTEREST Agricultural Research and Market Development Agriculture is a significant part of Hawaii's economic and social history. Research in this field is vital to allow local producers to remain competitive in today's global economy. Initiatives such as the creation of a value-added facility would help expand the product lines of many of Hawaii's small farms through a streamlined process. Such efforts merit support in order for the agriculture industry to outlast the national and local economic downturn. Biosecurity and Invasive Species Defending our islands from the ever-present threat of invasive species requires the continued vigilance and coordinated efforts of federal, state, and county officials working alongside our local communities. To this end, lawmakers passed in 2008, Act 236, which established an innovative and comprehensive Biosecurity Program that makes Hawaii the nation's leader in the prevention of unwanted pests. Apart from creating joint-use inspection facilities at our state's ports-of-entry for enhanced screening and prevention efforts, the program also lays a foundational framework within which creative, community-driven ideas can be implemented. The upfront costs associated with bringing the Biosecurity Program online are vital if we are to create a more efficient and streamlined infrastructure to deal with the high volume of imported cargo that must be painstakingly inspected for invasive species. I remain committed to this very important task and will continue to advocate for legislation that supports these endeavors.

NEWS AND EVENTS September 9, 2010. Invasive Species Threaten Coffee July 8, 2010. Working to Address Severe Drought Conditions June 17, 2010. Working to Fight Invasive Species June 17, 2010. Presenting the Budget and Financial Plan October 25, 2009. Preserving Big Island Agriculture Sept. 3, 2008. Island Dairy Sept. 1, 2008. Big Island's Invasive Pests Aug. 8, 2008. Aging Public Housing in Hilo to Get Facelift June 3, 2008. Waivi Control Plan Mar. 31, 2008. Aloha Airlines Says Goodbye Mar. 31, 2008. Honolulu Advertiser Article Regarding Aloha Airlines Mar. 16, 2008. Lawmakers Tour the Big Island Oct. 24, 2007. Hawaii Tribune Article Oct. 21, 2007. Media Advisory Sept. 6, 2007. Articles on the Big Island Site Visit. (West Hawaii Today) (Hawaii Tribune Herald) Sept. 4, 2007. Legislators to tour the Big Island. (Press Release) May 14, 2007. Bills concerning pesticide labeling and warning up for Governor's signature. (Press Release) Jan. 28, 2006. Big Island legislators and officials join forces to combat coqui frog infestation. (More) May 15, 2006. Representative Tsuji leads the charge against the coqui frog invasion. (Press Release)

PHOTO GALLERY


I was honored to celebrate our veterans along with my colleagues from the Senate, Senators Russell Kokubun and Dwight Takamine, at Hilo’s annual Veterans’ Day Parade on Nov. 7, 2009.	Myko Hodgins, youth participant in Olelo Channel's Capitol Commentary program, interviewed me on the Legislature's Opening Day, January 21, 2009.


Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi, Chancellor Rose Tseng, Senator Russell Kokubun, and myself at an event for the UH-Hilo Education Department.	Nov. 10, 2009, groundbreaking for Hilo Airport’s hold cargo/ light industrial building.


My sons, Ash and Ryan Kalei, joined me on the morning of the 2009 Legislative Opening Day.	September 22, 2008, was the last in a series of meetings by the Special Committee on Vog Effects. All Hawaii Island Representatives are members of the Committee.


On September 17, 2008, Board of Education Chair Donna Ikeda and Second Vice Chair Herbert Watanabe presided over the Board's community meeting at Keaau Elementary.	On September 2, 2008, Island Dairy manager Scott Trip discussed the innovations used at their Ookala operations under Act 221 (2007), the Livestock Revitalization Program.


Dr. Jeff Akaka (center) introduced me to Dr. Linda Nahulu (right) at the Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association reception at the Waikiki Aquarium.	Chef Hiroshi Fukui, Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Richard Ha, Rep. Tsuji and Chef Alan Wong promoted Hawaii agriculture during an Easter Seals event in August 2007.


On April 25, 2008, KHON interviewed me on the merits of H.B. No. 2843, which creates a dedicated source of funding to fight invasive species statewide.	Rep Tsuji and other Representatives visited Richard Ha's Hamakua Springs Country Farms in Pepeekeo.


I was honored to be the emcee at the 18th Annual Business Education Partnership (BEP) Golf Tournament in Hilo in May 2008. Central Pacific Bank and KTA Super Stores were co-sponsors of this event.