In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto. They reflect on the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, including lessons around  preparing for and building resilience against natural disasters, as well as best practices for coordinating disaster safety efforts across multiple levels of government. Senator Hashimoto also discusses his efforts to address Maui’s housing crisis and improve the local economy after tourism took a major hit from COVID and the fires. In addition, he explains how he approaches his legislative leadership roles as the Assistant Majority Whip, and Vice-Chair of the Housing Committee. Tune in to learn about Senator Troy Hashimoto's path to public service and the reasons why Maui should be your next destination.

 

IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE: 

• [00:00] State Senator Troy Hashimoto shares his protocol for natural disasters.

• [05:11] How to prepare and build resilience for the next disaster.

• [09:24] The Senator’s recommendations for cross-government disaster safety coordination.

• [12:05] Understanding Maui’s housing crisis and how Senator Hashimoto is addressing it.

• [17:49] The ins and outs of the Land Exchanges Bill that he championed.

• [19:39] How Senator Troy Hashimoto got into public service, and his path to Senator.

• [24:10] The challenges of state legislative leadership, and Maui’s general political stance.

• [27:56] Assessing Maui’s tourism economy: Past, present, and future.

• [32:18] Senator Troy Hashimoto’s top reasons for why you should visit Maui.