Today on the Garden Isle, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) hosted an open-forum “Tulsi In Your Town” meeting to provide legislative updates, answer questions, assist with federal agency casework, and listen to constituent concerns. The congresswoman discussed the shortfalls of the GMO-labeling bill signed in to law Friday and how she’s working to pass truly transparent, uniform GMO labeling legislation that makes it easier-not harder- for people in Hawaiʻi and across the country to make informed decisions about their food. She also talked about the need for urgent action to end the homeless crisis in Hawaiʻi and increase affordable housing, including how federal legislation (H.R.3700) recently signed into law will help to improve federal housing programs. In addition, the congresswoman answered questions on rising cost of healthcare, student loan debt, LGBT equality legislation, the threat to Hawaii from North Korea, and more.

Later in the day, the Congresswoman met with local medical practitioners and pharmacists at Līhuʻe Pharmacy to discuss improving access to health care and vital medications on Kauaʻi.

At the Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center on Kauaʻi the Congresswoman met with local small business owners to hear how mentorships are helping to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Congresswoman also recognized Kauaʻi resident John Latkiewicz, who was recognized among 33 local companies and business leaders in the 2016 Best of Small Business SBA Awards. John received the 2016 “Advocate for Financial Services” Award for his work to provide business consulting and workshops that help entrepreneurs launch startups or expand their businesses on Kauaʻi, and his years of service on local economic development boards and committees, and for fostering entrepreneurship among local high school and college students.