House Democratic Caucus



3rd House District - South Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Kea'au, Kurtistown
Chair, Committee on Agriculture Member, Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns Member, Committee on Tourism & Culture Member, Committee on Judiciary Member, Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
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Dear Friends, Aloha! It is an honor to return to the House, and I look forward to working with my colleagues at the Legislature. There is much work to be done, and as your public servant, I welcome your views on the issues that confront us and that will determine the future of our beautiful island state. Sincerely, Clift Tsuji State Representative 3rd District

TOPICS OF INTEREST Agricultural Research and Market Development Agriculture represents 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. Such efforts in Hawaii merit support. Pests and Invasive Species The protection of endangered species and Hawaii's fragile, unique ecosystem goes hand in hand with the control and eradication of pests and invasive species. Agricultural pests like the fruit fly can devastate the agriculture industry. Invasive species like the coqui frog and the stinging nettle caterpillar have large populations on the Big Island, and it is imperative for the other islands to prevent similar infestations. Although money was allocated in the state budget last session, steadfast action addressing these ongoing risks is prudent.

NEWS AND EVENTS 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


Rep Tsuji and other Representatives visited Richard Ha's Hamakua Springs Country Farms in Pepeekeo.	My sons, Ryan and Ash joined me in the House Chamber on the Opening Day of the 2008 Legislature.


I participated in a recent Dept. of Education inspection at Keaau Elementary School. Left to right: Filomena Miyamoto, Kahekili Krause, Rep Tsuji, Lisa Kahoalii and Helene Yamase	Dr. Jeff Akaka (center) introduced me to Dr. Linda Nahulu (right) at the Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association reception at the Waikiki Aquarium.


ISenator Kokubun and I had the privilege of hosting these talented Keaau and Kamehameha-Hawaii Campus students at the State Capitol on April 2, 2008. They were on Oahu to compete in the annual State Science & Engineering Fair.	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.


On March 29, 2007, the State Capitol celebrated Agriculture Day, a day recognizing Hawaii's diverse and popular array of agricultural products.	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.


The Majority Members of the Big Island Caucus: left to right: Representatives Green, Evans, Takamine, and Hanohano, Senators Kokubun and Inouye, and Representatives Herkes, Tsuji, and Chang.


"Final Decking" for fiscal bills was on April 25, 2008. This is the last day for the House and Senate to agree on the dollar amounts for bills that require funding. The conference is usually very crowded and goes until midnight. This year was no exception. Rep. Ito (center) of the House Committee on Water, Land, Ocean Resources, and Hawaiian Affairs, and I were appointed as co-chairs on many bills that were negotiated and passed that night.