Aloha,

I appreciate your interest in our democratic system of government and welcome your input in ways that we carry out our duties.

It is a great honor to represent Maunawili, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, and Kaneohe at the Hawaii State House of Representatives. I will make every effort to be attentive to your concerns and to inform you of important news from the Legislature.

Mahalo,
Pono Chong
State Representative
49th District

BIOGRAPHY

Education
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Communications
St. Louis High School
Enchanted Lake Elementary School

Political Office
Hawaii State House of Representatives, 2004-Present

Professional
Part Time Teacher, PAAC Program - Kaimuki High School
President, Hawaii International Taiko, LLC
Assistant Project Coordinator, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Assistant to Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Community
Windward Jaycees
Kaneohe Business Group
Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club
Castle High School, Family and Friends
Kailua High School, SCBM
Honolulu Japanese Jr. Chamber of Commerce, President

TOPICS OF INTEREST

• Kawai Nui Marsh
  As the Representative of the windward community of Kailua, Oahu, Representative Chong is concerned with the management of Kawai Nui Marsh. He introduced a measure, which was later enacted into law as Act 235, Session Laws of Hawaii (SLH) 2007, that transferred management authority over these culturally significant and environmentally important wetlands from the City and County of Honolulu to the State.
  
  
• Invasive Species
  An advocate for the environment, Representative Chong understands the need to protect Hawaii's unique natural environment from the threat of invasive species. He introduced House Bill No. 2263, H.D. 2, in 2006 which would have established the Invasive Species Inspection, Quarantine, and Eradication Fund (Fund) to be used for the operation of inspection and monitoring programs and facilities at ports of entry in the state. This Fund would also be used for emergency remedial measures when invasive species are detected at the ports of entry. Although this specific measure did not pass, the Legislature eventually passed two measures, enacted into law as Act 9, Special SLH 2007, and Act 3, Special SLH 2008, that imposed an inspection, quarantine, and eradication service fee on inbound cargo, with proceeds from the fee to be used to fund the Pest Inspection, Quarantine, and Eradication Fund.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• May 25, 2008. Rep. Chong and others discuss the Important Agricultural Lands incentives bill. (More)
  
  
• Feb. 9, 2006. House bill proposes to transfer Kawai Nui Marsh to the State. (More)