Hawai`i State Senator Laura Acasio and Hawai`i State Representative Jeanne Kapela shared their perspectives on Hawai`i County legislative priorities for 2022 at the October 14th, 2021, general meeting of the League of Women Voters of Hawai`i County.
State Senator Laura Clint Acasio was appointed by Governor David Ige to serve the people of District 1. She was born in Los Angeles, CA. While growing up, Sen. Acasio's parents instilled within her a deep respect for the environment. Her father grew abundant fruit trees in their yard and she raised chickens, often taking their fruits and eggs around to their community to ensure everyone had food. She later moved to Hawai`i, graduating from the University of Hawai`i with a degree in geology. While earning her degree in geology, Sen. Acasio became exposed to the environmental efforts by Native Hawaiians to protect and preserve their lands. This exposure led Sen. Acasio to become involved in projects like Protect Kaho`olawe, the Nature Conservancy, and Pohale Natural Area. She became a teacher, and transferred her care for the environment through her teaching to her students.
While Sen. Acasio was teaching, she became active in the Hilo Democratic Party. Most recently, she was the District 2 chair. In May, she sponsored the Second Annual Hawaii Zero Waste Summit.
She is a member of the following committees:
- Agriculture and Environment
- Hawaiian Affairs
- Human Services
- Judiciary
State Representative Jeanne Kapela was born in Kona and raised on a small coffee farm in the nearby town of Captain Cook. She graduated from Konawaena High School in 2012 and currently serves as a member of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival board of directors, Lions Club of Kona member, and communications chair for Konawaena High School's 100th Anniversary Committee.
Today, she serves as the prevention education coordinator for Imua Alliance, a nonprofit service provider for victims of sex trafficking. As a leader in Hawai'i's efforts to combat sexual slavery, she has facilitated anti-violence education programming to over 2,000 of Hawai'i's children and worked tirelessly to provide freedom and justice to women and children affected by sexual violence.
She is a member of the following committees:
- Education
- Culture, Arts & International Affairs
- Health, Human Services & Homelessness
- Higher Education & Technology
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.