July 1, 2021
Aloha mai kākou!

The American Rescue Plan is helping individuals and families across Hawaiʻi and our country each and every day. This month, Noah Andrade, a 9 year old student from Noelani Elementary School, wrote my office thanking me for the pandemic relief that has helped his family through the COVID-19 pandemic. I personally called Noah to thank him and shared that additional relief is on the way for his family and families across the nation through the extended Child Tax Credit which will begin on July 15, 2021.

My team and I are hard at work ensuring Hawaiʻi's keiki and their families can thrive.

Me ka haʻa haʻa (with humility),

Kai
Follow me on social media @RepKahele!
The Child Tax Credit
Over 90% of families with children in Hawaiʻi and across the nation will benefit from the extended Child Tax Credit which was included in the American Rescue Plan. It will lift almost 9,000 children in Hawaiʻi's second congressional district out of poverty and most families will automatically receive monthly payments without having to take any action.

Families can expect to see payments deposited into their accounts starting July 15, 2021. If you do not receive your payment, contact my office.
Connecting with Our Keiki
I am grateful for each and every letter, email, postcard and call I receive. Working for our keiki is the honor of a lifetime and I will continue to be a strong voice in Congress on their behalf. After receiving Noah's letter, we connected on FaceTime. I encourage him and all of our keiki to follow their dreams and continue to reach out to your elected officials.
Transportation and Infrastructure
$19.9 Million for Hawaiʻi's Surface Transportation Projects through the INVEST in America Act
We are right on track to rebuilding Hawaiʻi's aging infrastructure. Just today, we passed the INVEST in America Act through the House of Representatives which will approve $19.9 million for surface transportation projects in Hawaiʻi. The next step is working with the Senate and White House to fund America's infrastructure needs and #BuildBackBetter.
$50 Million to Address Cesspools through the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act
Through the Water Quality Protection and Jobs Creation Act of 2021, I secured $50 million to address cesspools and wastewater systems. The bill has been approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and was included in the INVEST in America Act, which we passed through the House of Representatives today.

Roughly 88,000 cesspools throughout the Hawaiian Islands release approximately 53 million gallons of untreated sewage into the environment each day. We have to act now to modernize our aging infrastructure by scaling up and implementing successful programs, particularly in rural areas.
Rep. Kahele visited the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to learn more about Hawaiʻiʻs wastewater monitoring systems and discuss opportunities for improvement.
Prioritizing Our Veterans and Servicemembers
Conversations with Kai
During June’s episode of Conversations with Kai, I sat down with U.S. Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough to talk story about challenges facing veterans in Hawaiʻi, expanding telehealth and mental health services for veterans in rural and remote areas and how the VA and Department of Defense can better serve our veterans.

Mahalo Secretary McDonough for sharing your time and expertise with Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi Office Wounded Warrior Fellowship
My Hawaiʻi office headquartered in Hilo is participating in the prestigious Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program.

We are seeking a wounded and/or disabled eligible veteran for a two-year paid fellowship. Apply now for the experience of a lifetime!
Visits to Hawaiʻi Military Sites
I conducted multiple military site visits and an aerial tour of the Army’s Lightning Academy Jungle School, Schofield Barracks, Mākua Military Reservation and U.S. Army Hawaiʻi Garrisons training areas.

Mahalo Captain Grace Andrews for your tour of the jungle training course with Congressman Ed Case and me.
Rep. Kahele with descendants of the Wounded Knee Massacre and members of the Buffalo Soldiers Association at the Native American Veterans Memorial.
Removing the Stain
I gathered with the descendants of the Wounded Knee Massacre for the Buffalo Soldiers Association’s proclamation of support at the National Native American Veterans Memorial.

I introduced the Remove the Stain Act to rescind the 20 Medals of Honor unrightfully awarded to the members of the United States Army 7th Cavalry following the Wounded Knee Massacre. Although this cannot undo the past, it is critical in demanding the truth and lighting the path towards justice.
Apply now for Fall 2021 Internships!
Fall 2021 internship applications are now open!

Team Kahele offers internships in both my Washington, DC and Hawaiʻi offices. Both internship programs run through the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. DC and Hawaiʻi Office interns are compensated for their work.

Deadline to apply is July 9, 2021, so apply now!
E mālama pono iā ʻoe! Please take care!
Reach out to me and my staff at the numbers below or visit my website, kahele.house.gov if we can assist you in any way.

Mahalo!
D.C. Office
1205 Longworth
House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-4906
Fax: (202) 225-4987
Hawaiʻi Office
99 Aupuni St
Suite 118
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 746-6220