Legislative Members

31st Legislature, 2021
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Senate: Recess | House of Representatives: Adjourned sine die

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House District 21
Hawaii State Capitol
Room: 421
phone: 808-586-8515
fax: 808-586-8519
repnishimoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Member of the following committees:

Culture, Arts, & International Affairs

Finance

Health, Human Services, & Homelessness

District Information
21 - Kapahulu, McCully, Moiliili

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LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE
• Chair, House Judiciary Committee
• Vice Chair, House Finance Committee
• Chair, House Higher Education Committee
• Chair, House Legislative Management Committee
• Chair, Subcommittee on Grant-in-Aid

BOARDS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
• Moiliili Community Center Board of Directors (Member)
• Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club (Member)
• Diamond Head Lions Club (Member)
• UH College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association (Board Member)
• Diamond Head Theatre (Community Advisory Board Member)
• Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) (Board of Directors Member)
• U.S. Japan Council (Council Leader)
• Reforming States Group of the Milbank Memorial Foundation (Steering Committee Member)

SELECTED HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
• 2019: Legislator of the Year (Friends of the Library of Hawaii)
• 2018: Legislators of the Year (Healthcare Association of Hawaii)
• 2016: Dean's Alumnus of the Year (UH William S. Richardson School of Law)
• 2013: Trailblazer Award (Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies)
• 2012: Patrick Henry Award (National Guard Association of the United States)
• 2005: Selectee (American Swiss Foundation Young Leaders Conference)
• 2004: Selectee (APAICS Leadership Academy)
• 2003: Japanese American Leadership Delegation
• 1996: Student Body President (University of Hawaii at Manoa)

Measures Introduced

	Title
HB35	RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB103 HD1 SD2 CD1	RELATING TO EMERGENCY POWERS.
HB104 HD1	RELATING TO POOLS.
HB105	RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
HB228	RELATING TO UNITED STATES SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE DAY.
HB229 HD1	RELATING TO UNITED STATES SENATOR DANIEL K. AKAKA DAY.
HB305 HD1	RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB415	RELATING TO MOBILE DEVICES.
HB416 HD2 SD2	RELATING TO SECTION 711-1109, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES.
HB420	RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB432 HD1	RELATING TO THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT.
HB435	RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
HB436	RELATING TO DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS.
HB437	RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB448	RELATING TO VIOLATION OF PRIVACY.
HB473 HD2	RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.
HB474 HD2 SD2	RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM.
HB487	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB488	RELATING TO INSPECTIONS OF CARE FACILITIES.
HB490 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS.
HB491	RELATING TO SERVICES FOR KUPUNA.
HB528	RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB546 HD2 SD2 CD1	RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB563	RELATING TO SEX OFFENDERS.
HB564	RELATING TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING.
HB565 HD1	RELATING TO DIVORCE.
HB566 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO ABUSE OF FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.
HB626	RELATING TO WATER CIRCULATION.
HB643 HD2	RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
HB659	RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE.
HB686 HD2	RELATING TO CRITICAL ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB718 HD1 SD1	RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB719	RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
HB720	RELATING TO SHOPPING CARTS.
HB721	RELATED TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
HB811	RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL SPORTS.
HB815	RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
HB832	RELATING TO ROADS.
HB833	RELATING TO COMMISSIONED VOLUNTEER ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
HB834 HD1 SD1 CD1	RELATING TO A BLACK CINDER CONE QUARRY SITE SURVEY.
HB835 HD2 SD1	RELATING TO THE NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY.
HB836	RELATING TO INCOME TAX CREDITS.
HB1136	RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB1138	RELATING TO ABUSE.
HB1191 HD2 SD2 CD1	RELATING TO BROADBAND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB1246 HD2	RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB1279	RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1280 HD2 SD2	RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENERGY LABORATORY OF HAWAII AUTHORITY.
HCR11 HD1 SD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY MISSING AND MURDERED NATIVE HAWAIIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS.
HCR12 HD1	CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS IMPLEMENTATION OF HAWAII'S STATE LAW COROLLARY TO TITLE IX TO STRENGTHEN HAWAII'S EFFORTS TO END CAMPUS-BASED SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND GENDER DISCRIMINATION.
HCR58 HD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT THE PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2021 AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE.
HCR154 SD1	CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19; URGING GREATER INVESTMENT IN FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT COMMUNITYWIDE SOLUTIONS; AND REQUESTING THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO IDENTIFY AND ANALYZE INCIDENTS BASED ON ANTI-ASIAN AND ANTI-PACIFIC ISLANDER SENTIMENT AND DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBERS OF HOMICIDES OF ASIAN-AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.
HCR165	REQUESTING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN BASED ON TOURISM HOT SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN COUNTY DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS.
HCR181 HD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII SISTER-STATE COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INITIATION OF A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
HR12 HD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY MISSING AND MURDERED NATIVE HAWAIIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS.
HR13 HD1	CONVENING A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS IMPLEMENTATION OF HAWAII'S STATE LAW COROLLARY TO TITLE IX TO STRENGTHEN HAWAII'S EFFORTS TO END CAMPUS-BASED SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND GENDER DISCRIMINATION.
HR47 HD1	URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENACT THE PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2021 AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE.
HR130	CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19 AND URGING GREATER INVESTMENT IN FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT COMMUNITYWIDE SOLUTIONS.
HR141	REQUESTING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN BASED ON TOURISM HOT SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN COUNTY DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS.
HR150 HD1	REQUESTING THE HAWAII SISTER-STATE COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INITIATION OF A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.

Elected in 2002, Representative Scott Y. Nishimoto proudly serves House District 21, which includes McCully, Moiliili, and Kapahulu. Born in Honolulu, Scott attended Manoa Elementary School, St. Louis School, and graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute. While earning his Bachelors in Sociology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he served as the Student Body President. Thereafter, Scott attended the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he also earned a Juris Doctor in 2002. Before holding public office, Scott worked as a staff member in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

Over his 18 years of service at the legislator, Scott has served as Chair of House Judiciary, Chair of Higher Education, Chair of Legislative Management, Chair of the Subcommittee on Grants-in-Aid, and Vice Chair of the House Finance committees.

Scott is committed to maintaining a close relationship with the community. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Moiliili Community Center, UH College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association Board, and Diamond Head Theatre Community Advisory Board. He is a member of the Diamond Head Lions Club and the Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club. In 2016, Scott was awarded the Dean's Alumnus of the Year by the UH William S. Richardson School of Law for his dedication to public service. In 2018, he was recognized as one of the Legislators of the Year by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii for his work in supporting Hawaii's healthcare workers. Most recently, Scott was honored with the award of 2019 Legislator of the Year by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii for his commitment to improving, supporting, and strengthening the Hawaii State Library Systems.

Scott's leadership has been recognized both nationally and within the Asia-Pacific region. In 2012, the National Guard Association of the United States awarded Scott the Patrick Henry Award, which recognizes local officials and civic leaders who have shown outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces or National Guard. Scott also serves as a Council Leader on the U.S. Japan Council, a non-profit organization that contributes to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. He has the distinction of being the first Anheuser-Busch/Frank Horton Fellow with the Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies, and in 2013 was honored with the organization's Trailblazer Award in recognition of his achievements in public service.

March 18, 2021

$900,000 Released to Schools in Our Community

I am pleased to share with you that the state has released funding for two Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in our community! These projects are critical components of our public infrastructure and provide better educational environments for our keiki.

March 18, 2021

Thank You VITA Tax Help!

This past weekend, we wrapped up our three-part Free Tax Preparation Clinic at the State Capitol that I co-sponsor. I want to thank the volunteers from VITA Tax Help for volunteering their time and expertise in preparing tax returns for members of our community! These thoughtful actions do not go unnoticed as many of the participants have already expressed their deep gratitude for this service.

If you or someone you know is still looking for free tax return preparation, you can check out VITA Tax Help's website for upcoming clinics at hawaiitaxhelp.org

March 1, 2021

Virtual Town Hall

On February 24, 2021, I held my annual Legislative Town Hall with Representative Belatti and Representative Saiki. This town hall is important to me because it allows me to hear about the issues that matter most to my community.

In consideration of social distancing, this year's town hall was held virtually for the first time. Thank you to all of the participants that came out to join us in this community discussion!

February 4, 2021

10th Annual Community Tax Clinic

It is my pleasure to share with you that this is the tenth year that I will be co-sponsoring a free tax return preparation clinic. Our friends at VITA Tax Help and Financial Empowerment Solution have kindly volunteered to serve our community and provide their expert services at no cost.

In consideration of social distancing, this free tax clinic will adhere to new guidelines. Participants will need to come to the Hawaii State Capitol to drop off their tax documents on either February 27th or March 6th. The tax experts at VITA will then prepare your tax return and have you pick it up on March 6th or March 13th.

Interested participants can go online to https://www.hawaiitaxhelp.org to learn more about this free tax clinic. Appointments are required to participate in this clinic and can be scheduled by calling VITA's phone line: (808) 758-4213. Please utilize the 'Free Tax Help' tab on their website to check your eligibility and gather the required documents for your appointment.

You may send any tax clinic related questions to: stamanaha@hawaiitaxhelp.org

January 25, 2021

2021 Session Greetings

Dear Neighbor,

The 2021 Legislative Session kicked off on Wednesday, January 20th. On the house floor, there are protective barriers between each State Representative, and my colleagues and I wear our masks during each interaction. Although this session is unlike anything that I've seen in my 18 years of service here at the capitol, I'll make sure that your voices are heard and that you receive the help you need during this time.

As part of my commitment to keep you informed, I would like to notify you about the state's latest vaccination plan so you know when and where you and your loved ones can get vaccinated if you wish. Please subscribe to my electronic newsletter to get these updates.

I want to thank you for your commitment to health and safety during this time. Sometimes, even I can't get my head around this "new normal," but I want to do everything in my power to keep your families, friends, and neighbors safe. Let's continue to look out for each other, practice social distancing, and embrace the Aloha spirit.

Although my office is closed to public access, I am here to serve your needs and continue to assist you in any way possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 586-8515.

With Much Aloha,
Scott Y. Nishimoto

Hawaii State Legislature