Over 100 Baskets Collected for Local Families in Need
(L-R) The Women's Legislative Caucus Co-conveners are Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto, Representative Linda Ichiyama, Senator Lynn DeCoite, and Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani.
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – On Wednesday, members of the bipartisan Hawaiʻi Women's Legislative Caucus (WLC) held the 25th Annual Easter Basket Drive at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, which is organized yearly to collect donations for local families in need.
Members from both the House and Senate, along with dedicated staff, gathered to present over 100 baskets filled with essential household items, such as laundry soap, utensils, dishware, toiletries, and towels. These baskets will assist clients of the Domestic Violence Action Center, Institute for Human Services, the Mohala Mai Women's Prison Project, Parents & Children Together, and the Salvation Army Hawai‘i.
In keeping with Easter tradition, Representative Tyson K. Miyake and Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante participated as the surprise guests Easter Bunny and Duck, respectively. These legislators were voted by their colleagues to fulfill these roles.
"What a remarkable tradition it is, basking in the spirit of camaraderie with members from the House and the Senate alongside the Women's Legislative Caucus. We celebrated our 25th Annual Easter Basket event. Together, we've rallied to assemble over 100 Easter baskets that went to support women's non-profit organizations including Mohala Mai Women’s Prison Project, Parents and Children Together (PACT), Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), Salvation Army Hawaii, Institute for Human Services (IHS). Thank you to everyone who helped make this event successful," said Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto.
"We are celebrating our 25th year for the Women's Legislative Caucus' Annual Easter Basket Drive, a long-standing tradition of giving in the Capitol. I continue to be grateful for the unity and compassion displayed in this collective effort," expressed Representative Linda Ichiyama.
“This longstanding tradition of giving exemplifies the compassion and unity that defines our legislature. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have generously donated,” said Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani. “The generosity of the people of Hawai‘i remains inspiring, especially knowing that these contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children in need.”
“It is an honor to participate in this event every year, and to work with the many fantastic organizations, including those present today, dedicated to the wellbeing of women throughout our state,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “I am incredibly grateful for the many who have shown up to support women and children in Hawai‘i.”
Hawaiʻi Women's Legislative Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of women legislators from the Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for bills benefiting women and girls in our state. In the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, there are 21 women Representatives among the 51 members, and 8 women Senators among the 25 members.
The Hawaiʻi Women’s Legislative Caucus co-conveners for 2023-2024 are Senators Michelle Kidani (D-18, Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) and Lynn DeCoite (D-7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), and Representatives Linda Ichiyama (D-31, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Makalapa, Pearl Harbor) and Lauren Matsumoto (D-38, Portions of Mililani and Waipio Acres, Mililani Mauka).
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