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Senator English
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Aloha, and welcome to the first of what I hope will be a long series of weekly columns that will give me a chance to share views of what is happening with the Hawaii State Senate, the 6th Senatorial District, and the community of Moloka'i. A warm mahalo nui to The Molokai Times for giving me this opportunity, and to the people of the Friendly Isle for their welcome.
One benefit of writing this column will be having a chance to maintain and enhance my personal connection with the people of Molokai. I have a large family on the island, and so I feel a deep aloha for the community, its people, and the special lifestyle they represent. Having experienced it myself, I know how vital it is to preserve Molokai's unique spirit, and keep it the place we all love.
Serving as your Senator is a tremendous honor. My goal as a representative of our community has been to carry your concerns to the legislature and help preserve your interests and your rights. I think of myself as your voice at the Capitol. At the same time, representing a district like ours brings certain challenges. Ours is the only "canoe district" in the State Senate, and for all of their similarities, each segment of our community is also proudly unique, with individual concerns that deserve attention and merit support.
I know from long personal experience that even on Molokai itself, needs and concerns vary across the island. The needs of Kalaupapa differ from the needs of Mana'e, and what is of the greatest concern for the West Side is often unique to those residents. And yet as I have spent time with the island's people, I always feel that the bonds that tie Molokai together are stronger than our disagreements.
Serving our district also means facing the simple geographical facts. We cover four islands, so it is not likely that everyone will gather in the same place. And while technology may make it seem that your neighbors on Lana'i and in Hana are closer than ever, there are still challenges in seeing where your interests are the same, and where they may differ.
Frankly, we just won't have as many chances to sit and talk story in the traditional ways. But rather than give up on that time-honored tradition, we will simply have to find new ways to keep the conversation going. I hope this column will be one of those ways.
I want to make this a place where we can share ideas. I will try to provide you with a view of what is happening at the legislature, and in other parts of our district. You can look forward to not only a report of what bills we are considering and what issues are at the top of the Senate's agenda, but also what I am hearing in my community meetings with your neighbors. I will share my opinions, and I hope you will free to share your as well.
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