Gabbard Meets with Big Island Officials, Community Members

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard traveled to the Big Island on Friday, where she met with Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira. The Congresswoman also spent time with business owners and community leaders.

The dengue fever outbreak was the topic of conversation during Representative Gabbard’s meeting with head county officials. Among the items discussed were the actions currently being taken and what else needs to be done in the short-and-long-term in regards to mosquito abatement efforts to stop the disease’s spread.

Among the business leaders Representative Gabbard met with were KTA Super Stores Chief Executive Officer Barry Taniguchi and his son, Toby Taniguchi. The pair was presented with a certificate in honor of their store’s 100 years of service to the community.

Representative Gabbard also met with Lani Weigert, Executive Director of the Hawai’i AgriTourism Association and co-founder of Ali’i Kula Lavender Farms, to discuss agriculture-tourism opportunities and support across the state for farms.

The Congresswoman also met with both young and experienced leaders. Intermediate school students and members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island took her on a tour of their Hilo clubhouse, which includes a new certified kitchen that will be used to provide meals for hungry children.

Boys & Girls Club staff and board members shared updates on programs offered by the Club, along with community development block grants and how the needs of Big Island children are being met through their programs.

Congresswoman Gabbard attended a luncheon hosted by the County, which was also attended by hundreds of kupuna who gathered to be recognized for their dedication to serve the community through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Representative Tulsi Gabbard.