Schatz to hone in on relevancy, forge relationships, build communications

First of all, aloha and happy new year from my family to yours.

I look at building the future of our state through work in the United States Congress in three interacting elements. They are engaging in those issues which are most relevant for Hawaii, building relationships within Congress as a unique island delegation, and strengthening communications back home.

We must remain vigilant in continuing our country’s economic recovery, which includes creating and sustaining good-paying jobs for Hawaii’s residents. To achieve this goal and to advance other critical issues for Hawaii, I sought Senate committee assignments that will bridge us to the future we prefer.

Senate leadership has shown me and Sen. Mazie Hirono a lot of aloha in the assignments we were given.

I am thankful to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for appointing me as the only freshman on the Commerce Committee. Building economic momentum requires continuing investment in infrastructure. The Commerce Committee is a pivotal spot to work on sustaining our economic recovery and creating our preferred economic future for Hawaii. As a delegation, we will continue to push for transportation money to come to Hawaii, and to make sure that our harbors, airports, highways and rail receive the investment that they need.

In addition to investment in physical infrastructure, we need to make sure that Hawaii has the intellectual capital that will allow us to compete in a global economy. The University of Hawaii and our other outstanding educational institutions need our continued support so that they can build on the momentum we have achieved.

Starting with APEC, we are entering a new era in Asia-Pacific relations for Hawaii, and I intend to continue Sen. Hirono’s good work pushing for new tourism markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  Hawaii ought to be a national voice for tourism in the Senate.

Global climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time, and we in Hawaii are already playing a leading role in demonstrating that clean energy can drive economic growth. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to support clean energy and transition fuels. I see this as a two-way opportunity where I can help direct financial resources to Hawaii.

And, as Hawaii continues as a test bed for clean energy, we will focus the eyes of Congress and the country on what we are doing here. Ultimately we want to direct interest to Hawaii and spur international technology development in the islands. This is a natural for us, a core competency that is essential for our state, America and the rest of the world.

Being a member of the Indian Affairs Committee will enable me to work on issues of importance to Native Hawaiians and all the people of Hawaii.

There is a lot of work ahead to accomplish what is right for Native Hawaiians with respect to federal recognition, and I will do my utmost to build from the groundwork that has already been laid by Sens. Dan Akaka and Dan Inouye. We have been at this for some time; there are obstructions; but when you believe that something is right, you work all the harder to achieve it. That is what we will do, together.

Regarding congressional relations, Hawaii has a history for maximizing its impact despite its small size. I look back on the past and know our delegation was unique — an impossible act to follow. But we have a new team, diverse and strong, and we certainly have the capacity to make our own mark together with Hawaii in our hearts. I’m looking forward to this. I can say thus far that as cold as it is in Washington, I have received a warm welcome from Senate leadership, especially Majority Leader Reid and Sen. Chuck Schumer. There is already a high level of cooperation that will benefit our state.

The third element is staying in contact with my friends and neighbors in Hawaii. One thing I have learned in my work within government and the private sector is that everyone has their own way of communicating. So as we put into operations our outreach to Hawaii, we will work on everything from social media to the tried and true talk-story sessions on a state-wide basis. The public trust only works when it is rooted in real communities and ensures that no one is forgotten.

Communications to me will also mean working directly with Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the county mayors, the state Legislature and other elected officials throughout the state to ensure we are on parallel tracks.

I’m sure that as each of us looks out to the new year ahead, we’re struck by the mix of challenges and opportunities. Economically we are turning the corner, which should mean more job opportunities and a steadier future for our families. At the same time, the economy is far from secure, and so many Hawaii families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why, working with President Barack Obama, the governor and other community leaders, we need to be unified in purpose.

There is much to be done. Working together we will do it. If you want, you can follow me at twitter.com/brianschatz or facebook.com/brianschatz.