Senator Mike Gabbard
June Newsletter
Vol. 19 Issue 6
Agriculture and Environment Committee, Chair
Judiciary Committee, Vice Chair
Government Operations Committee, Vice Chair
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Aloha e friends,
I hope you and your ‘ohana are doing well as we head into the summer season. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I’m looking forward to some good food and time with my kids and grandkids — and as always, I’ll be thinking of my own dad, who served our country with pride in the U.S. Air Force.
| | Me (with my stink eye) and my dad, Benjamin Harrison Gabbard Jr. at Hickam AFB, 1951. My father always felt it was a privilege to serve in uniform, and I’m forever grateful for his example. | | |
I also want to send a big AlohaCongrats to all the 2025 graduates from Senate District 21 — including Island Pacific Academy, Kapolei High School, Campbell High School, the American Renaissance Academy, and the Youth Challenge Academy! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next.
If there’s anything I can do to help you or your ‘ohana, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (808) 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. And feel free to follow along or connect with me on social media:
If you’d like to join my mailing list, just send me a quick email with “mailing list” in the subject line.
You can also stay connected with me on social media: Instagram (@SenatorMikeGabbard), Facebook, YouTube, or X.
Wishing all the dads and father figures out there an early Happy Father’s Day!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
| | | Senator Mike Gabbard at his May 10, 2025, Listen Story Meeting at The Villages of Kapolei. | | | |
On Saturday, May 10, I hosted my Listen Story community meeting at the Villages of Kapolei. Mahalo to those who came out to share their thoughts and concerns. We covered everything from traffic safety to environmental protections and recent updates on our local schools.
I also provided a recap of the 2025 legislative session, including funding wins for District 21, progress on the Villages of Kapolei Road transfer (SB662), and bills we advanced around food security, clean energy, and crime prevention. In case you missed it, you can watch the full Listen Story recording here.
These gatherings help me stay in tune with the needs of our Westside community. I look forward to continuing the conversation at our next Listen Story meeting—Saturday, July 26, from 9–10AM—at the Kapolei High School Teachers Lounge, with a Zoom option available for those joining remotely.
To RSVP or get the Zoom link, email us at sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Hope to see you there!
| | Opening of MAʻO’s New Pūhāwaiulu Facility | | Ma’o Organics Farms Team posing with Honorary Certificate from the Hawai’i State Legislature. | | Sen. Gabbard at Ma’o Organic Farms on April 17, 2025. | | Senator Mike Gabbard and Representative Muraoka on April 17, 2025. | | |
On April 17th, I had the honor of joining the blessing ceremony for MAʻO Organic Farms’ new post-harvest processing and training facility — Pūhāwaiulu — in Waiʻanae. It was a beautiful morning with community, culture, and commitment to food sovereignty front and center. I was proud to present a joint Senate/House Honorary Certificate with Representative Chris Muraoka and Senator Samantha DeCorte on behalf of the Hawai‘i State Legislature to honor the hard work of the MAʻO ʻohana and the powerful vision behind this new chapter.
MAʻO’s mission — rooted in aloha ʻāina — continues to inspire. This new facility helps them expand local food production, while providing hands-on leadership training for youth through their Youth Leadership Training (YLT) program. Over the years, MAʻO has grown from farming five acres to now stewarding over 500 acres. And their kuleana is only growing stronger — with more than 160 tons of organic food produced annually and 22 full-time student interns gaining real-world skills in both agriculture and community building.
I’ve always said food security is one of the biggest priorities we face in Hawai‘i, and MAʻO is showing us what the solution looks like — local people growing local food, while empowering the next generation. Huge mahalo to founders Gary and Kukui Maunakea-Forth, the MAʻO team, and all the partners who made Pūhāwaiulu possible. The future of food and community in Waiʻanae is looking brighter than ever.
| | Sen. Gabbard, Senator DeCorte, and Representative Muraoka presenting Ma’o Organics with a proclamation from the Hawai’i State Legislature. | |  | Sen. Gabbard, Sen. DeCorte, Rep. Muraoka, Gary and Kukui Maunakea-Forth (Owners of Ma’O Organics). | | | Senator Gabbard speaking at the everbowl ® Grand Opening on April 19, 2025. | | Brandon & Angela Padilla (Franchise Owners of everbowl®) and Senator Mike Gabbard at the Grand Opening of everbowl® on April 19, 2025. | | (L-R: Senator Mike Gabbard, Brandon and Angela Padilla (Co-Owners of everbowl ®) , and Trever Sacco (Brand President) on April 19, 2025.) | | |
On April 19th, I had the pleasure of helping celebrate the Grand Opening of Hawai‘i’s very first everbowl ®, right here in Kapolei at Ka Makana Ali‘i. I presented an Honorary Certificate from the Hawai‘i State Legislature to franchise owners Angela and Brandon Padilla in recognition of this exciting milestone. Their commitment to bringing fast, healthy food to our West O‘ahu community is something we can all appreciate.
everbowl’s focus is on superfood bowls packed with good stuff—like açaí, pitaya, and other nutrient-rich ingredients—aimed at fueling active lifestyles. Being a vegetarian for over 50-years and someone who believes deeply in the power of food to support wellness and sustainability, I’m excited to see more healthy options available for our local families.
Big mahalo to Angela and Brandon for investing in our community and creating local jobs, and to everyone who showed up to support. It was great to see the long lines of folks excited to try something new and nutritious. If you’re in the area, swing by everbowl® and treat yourself—you won’t be disappointed!
| | Senator Mike Gabbard receiving a lei from his Community Liaison, Melanie June. | | | Senator Mike Gabbard (everbowl ®’s First Customer!) at their Grand Opening on April 19, 2025. | | | |
On May 7th, I had the opportunity to join Councilmember Andria Tupola and Rep. Diamond Garcia for the Westside Public Safety Town Hall at Honouliuli Middle School. It was powerful to see so many of our neighbors come out to talk story about the real safety challenges facing our community—from traffic concerns to school safety to violent crime in rural areas.
I shared a few quick remarks at the start and got to hear updates from HPD (Honolulu Police Department) and the Department of Transportation Services. I also talked about some of the bills I’ve introduced this session to tackle agricultural crimes, strengthen sex trafficking penalties, and expand protections for survivors of abuse.
I know there’s a long way to go, but I believe in the power of community. When we show up for each other—like we did at this town hall—we make progress possible.
| | Rep. Diamond Garcia, Councilmember Andria Tupola, and Sen. Mike Gabbard at the Westside Public Safety Townhall on May 7, 2025. | | Celebrating Kapolei High’s Record-Breaking Tennis Team | Representative Garcia and Senator Gabbard presenting an Honorary Certificate to the Kapolei High School Tennis Team on May 12, 2025, in recognition of their outstanding 2024–2025 season. | | |
As a longtime supporter of youth athletics, I was proud to recognize the Kapolei High School Tennis Team for an incredible 2024–2025 season—one that made school history as the largest team ever!
This year’s “Hurricanes” showed heart, hustle, and true sportsmanship, with standout achievements like the girls team earning their best-ever win-loss record and senior Dylan Apo advancing to the State Championships. We also honored the four graduating seniors whose leadership helped pave the way for the next generation of players.
Mahalo to Rep. Diamond Garcia for co-sponsoring our honorary certificates, and to all the families, coaches, and supporters who stood behind these amazing student-athletes. You’ve made our District 21 community proud.
Keep swinging, Hurricanes—we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
| | On the field of the Barbers Point Elementary May Day Celebration on May 16, 2025. | | |
On May 16, I was honored to attend the May Day Celebration at Barbers Point Elementary. It was a joyful morning filled with aloha, as keiki, staff, and families gathered to celebrate Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and community.
This school holds a special place in our community—despite the challenges many of their students face, the BPES ʻohana leads with heart and resilience. Their commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and loved is something truly inspiring.
Mahalo to Interim Principal Aaron Okumura, the dedicated staff, and all the students who shared their talents with us. You made this celebration one to remember.
| | Honoring Our Intern Arianna Mahealani | | Melanie June (Senator Gabbard’s Community Liaison), Arianna Mahealani (2025 Keiki Caucus High School Intern), and Lia (2025 Session Committee Clerk) celebrating Arianna’s graduation and presentation of her Honorary Certificate on May 21, 2025. | | |
I’m happy to share that on May 21, 2025, my team had the honor of recognizing Arianna Mahealani, one of our incredible high school interns from this past session. Since I couldn’t be there in person, my full-time staffer Melanie June and session aide Lia presented Arianna with an Honorary Certificate from the State Senate to thank her for her hard work and dedication.
Arianna joined our office through the Keiki Caucus High School Legislative Internship Program, and from day one, she brought energy, heart, and a real passion for public service. She helped us with research, committee prep, and communications for my Agriculture & Environment Committee—and did it all with a smile. She’s a recent graduate of Hawai‘i Technology Academy and will be heading to UH Mānoa this fall to study Political Science and Journalism.
I’m confident we’ll be seeing more of Arianna in Hawai‘i’s leadership circles in the years to come. It’s young leaders like her that give me hope for our future.
Mahalo nui, Arianna, for your service and for being part of our office ʻohana this session. Wishing you all the best as you continue to grow and thrive.
| | Kapolei High school 2025 Valedictorians | | Kapolei High School 2025 graduating class on May 23, 2025. | | Senator Gabbard presenting an Honorary Certificate to KHS valedictorian Owen Makanalei Cullen on May 23, 2025. | | Rep. Alcos, Sen. Gabbard, & Rep. Garcia at the Kapolei High School Graduation on May 23, 2025. | | |
As a proud member of our Kapolei community, I was happy to attend Kapolei High School’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on May 23rd. It was an unforgettable evening filled with pride, joy, and 59 outstanding valedictorians – yes, 59! Each of these incredible students earned the Summa Cum Laude honor and the title of valedictorian, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
This year, I was astonished by the sheer number of top scholars, and I knew we had to celebrate each one in a special way. Since 2009, my office has made it a tradition to recognize every valedictorian with an honorary certificate, and this year was no different. I was joined by Representative David Alcos and Representative Diamond Garcia in personally presenting all 59 valedictorians with Honorary Certificates from the Hawai‘i State Legislature for their achievement. There’s nothing quite like walking up to each student to hand them their certificate and congratulate them face-to-face – seeing their proud smiles and the joy on their families’ faces is truly priceless. Go Hurricanes!
| | Senator Gabbard presenting an Honorary Certificate to KHS valedictorian Paige Budio on May 23, 2025. | | Senator Gabbard presenting an Honorary Certificate to KHS valedictorian Chase Camarillo on May 23, 2025. | | Senator Gabbard presenting an Honorary Certificate to KHS valedictorians Kiele & Malia Conrad on May 23, 2025. | | |
We all know that high school graduation is a huge milestone that sets the stage for lifelong success. It prepares our keiki for the next steps – whether heading off to college, joining the workforce, or serving our country. Having 59 valedictorians in one class says a lot about our community’s commitment to education. Every year, it seems our students just keep getting smarter and reaching higher. This kind of academic excellence doesn’t happen alone; it takes a village. Mahalo to the dedicated teachers and staff at Kapolei High for guiding these young men and women. And to the families – thank you for supporting your graduates every step of the way. When our educators, parents, and community work together, amazing things happen for our youth.
Let’s keep working together to build a brighter future for our keiki. Best always to you and your ‘ohana!
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Need Extra Food This Summer? Kaukau 4 Keiki Can Help
Summer can be a tough time for families who count on school meals to keep keiki nourished. That’s why Kaukau 4 Keiki is stepping up again this year to help ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.
Eligible families can receive a weekly box of food for each qualifying child to help cover meals during the summer break. This support is available to children ages 5–18 who attend a Hawaiʻi public, charter, or private school and are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, or those who are migrants, unhoused, or in foster care also qualify.
Boxes will be delivered or available for pick-up from June 10 to July 19, 2024.
✅ To see if you qualify and apply, visit: hawaiifoodbank.org/kaukau
📞 Questions? Call 808-954-7860 or text 877877.
Let’s help spread the word and make sure all our keiki have a healthy, nourished summer!
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