Legislative Members

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House District 21
St. Louis Heights, Pālolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī

Room: 443
Phone: 808-586-6900
Fax: 808-586-6910
repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov

Rep. Sayama is a proud fourth generation Japanese-American, born and raised in St. Louis Heights. Graduating from Punahou, Rep. Sayama went to China where he attended the New York University of Shanghai. After gaining a global perspective, Rep. Sayama returned home and found that many of his family, friends, and neighbors moved to the mainland. With a hope to build a Hawaii where local families can thrive, Rep. Sayama dedicated himself to public service.

Having served on his neighborhood board and as Vice-Chairman of the Labor and Tourism Committee, Rep. Sayama understands the importance of listening to his constituents to create sound policies and take action. In his first term, Rep. Sayama spearheaded legislation to address the rampant catalytic converter thefts and introduced legislation to improve afterschool care programs. In the district, Rep. Sayama has organized a COVID vaccination event and served hundreds of residents and has continued to engage teachers and principals on school improvements.

Currently in his fifth term, Rep. Sayama serves as Chair of the House Committee on Labor, advocating for policies supporting Hawaiʻi’s working families. He remains focused on ensuring a sustainable future for the state through investments in housing, education, and infrastructure. Rep. Sayama continues to champion affordable homeownership opportunities and has supported efforts to modernize school facilities and expand mental health resources for students. As a strong supporter of paid family leave, he believes working families should have the time and flexibility to care for loved ones without risking financial hardship. Deeply rooted in his community, Rep. Sayama remains actively engaged in local efforts—from supporting K-12 schools and addressing homelessness, to organizing park cleanups and improving neighborhood well-being.

Education:
-Master of Public Administration, University of Hawaii, 2024
-New York University Shanghai 2019
-Punahou School 2015

Professional & Community Activities:
-Member of the Palolo Alliance Club 2025
-Board Member - Neighborhood Board Five 2025
-Honolulu Chinese Jaycees 2022-2024

April 20, 2025

AG Day - Celebrating Hawaii's Farmers, Food, & Future

Ag Day at the Capitol, which was held on February 20th, was a unique opportunity to celebrate and support Hawaii’s diverse agricultural industry. Hosted by the Hawaii Farm Bureau, this annual event brought together local farmers, ranchers, agricultural organizations, and policymakers to showcase the vital role agriculture plays in our state’s economy, food security, and sustainability. Rep. Sayama had an opportunity to sample fresh, locally grown products, learn about innovative farming practices, and engage with leaders shaping Hawaii’s agricultural policies. By fostering connections between lawmakers and the agricultural community, Ag Day highlights the importance of investing in local food production and ensuring a thriving future for Hawaii’s farmers and ranchers.

April 15, 2025

Chinese New Year Celebration

For over a century, Palolo Chinese Home has been a cornerstone of compassionate senior care in Hawaii providing high-quality services to support the well-being of kūpuna in our community On February 15th, Palolo Chinese Club held its annual Chinese New Year Celebration, where residents, families, and guests came together to enjoy traditional performances, festive activities, and a shared appreciation of heritage. Rep. Sayama had an opportunity to talk story with residents of the home and be a part of the Year of the Snake celebration. Through its dedication to innovation and community partnerships, Palolo Chinese Home continues to serve as a trusted resource for families seeking compassionate elder care.

April 16, 2024

Kaimuki Students Visit the Capitol

Kaimuki High School students experienced firsthand the legislative process and the workings of state government. By meeting with Rep. Sayama, touring the capitol building, and observing a House floor session, students were able to gain a deeper understanding how laws are made and how public policy affects their communities. These visits also encourage civic engagement by allowing students to ask questions, share their perspectives, and see how they can participate in government. Such experiences can inspire future careers in public service and reinforce the importance of informed citizenship.

April 5, 2023

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

To better understand what affordable housing in Kaimukī might look like, Representative Sayama visited Hale Kālele with Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan. We were impressed with the affordability of units, accommodations, and management of the facility. While Rep. Sayama does not intend to emulate all aspects of Hale Kālele, such as its 20 story height, he hopes to use it as a model to maximize the utility of the Kaimukī property not only for housing and Pre-K classrooms, but also for community needs like public parking.

April 5, 2023

LIFESMARTS 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Kalani High School Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts Team for reaching the state finals where they competed against teams from Maryknoll and Waipahū High School. Sponsored by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaiʻi Credit Union League, LifeSmarts is a national competition that tests the students’ knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities.

March 8, 2022

HB 1860 (2022) Relating to Catalytic Converters

During the 2022 Legislative Session, Rep. Sayama reintroduced a bill relating to catalytic converters. This bill aimed to stop the ongoing catalytic converter thefts in the State by adding more requirements for catalytic converter sales and increase the penalty of converter theft.
Click here to see the video

January 8, 2022

COVID-19 Clinics

With the surge of the Omicron variant, Rep. Sayama partnered with Department of Health, Project Vision and other community organizations to host two COVID-19 clinics where they offered vaccinations, boosters and rapid testing. From the hard work and dilligence of the volunteers and staff, they were able to test and vaccinate hundreds of residents.

February 11, 2022

After School Care Program

Rep. Sayama visited schools within District 20 and spoke with the organizers in charge of the afterschool care programs; they discussed how COVID-19 has impacted the faculty and students, the application process parents undergo and how Rep. Sayama can better help with legislation.

February 4, 2022

Sterling Higa: Those Struggling To Get By Are Hardest Hit by Catalytic Converter Thefts

[Rep.] Sayama says he heard about catalytic converter theft from Alan Nakamura, the owner of Kaimuki Auto Repair. That conversation led Sayama to research catalytic converter theft, which he found was a problem not only in his district, but nationwide.

Last year, Sayama introduced HB 446, which sought to establish a new offense for theft of a catalytic converter. HB 446 also required businesses engaged in the sale or purchase of used motor vehicle parts to keep more detailed records and report attempted sales of undocumented parts to the police.

'It’s an incredibly disruptive crime to a working family,' says Sayama. He’s confident that a bill related to catalytic converter theft will pass this session. 'If not my bill, at least someone else’s.'

Sayama admits that his bill won’t eliminate catalytic converter theft, but it can help to eliminate the local market for catalytic converters. Local buyers act as a medium between thieves and the international buyers of precious metals, says Sayama. Increasing the friction of buying and selling decreases profits, and the added risk of criminal penalty should discourage would-be thieves.

'We’re just trying to make it a lot less attractive.'

To read the full article click here

April 5, 2021

Rep. Sayama Introduces Bill To Alleviate Catalytic Converter Thefts

Freshman Hawai'i State Rep. Jackson Sayama and several state lawmakers introduced House Bill 446 that would help alleviate the increasing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. The bill passed first reading in the House and has been assigned to committees. Catalytic converters contain precious metals that thieves steal and then sell as the price of metal skyrockets, according to police.

The bill calls for new requirements on the buyer and seller of catalytic converters and increases fines for violators. Businesses that buy used parts and metals would be required to refuse the purchase of used motor vehicle parts or accessories and report the attempted sale to police if a seller does not provide appropriate information at the time of the attempted sale.

The bill would help protect families dependent on their vehicles to go to work and take their children to school, said Sayama (D-20, St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki).

"Many families are already struggling with the pandemic and don't have an extra $1,000 to $2,000 to replace their stolen catalytic converter," Sayama said. "Just as the legislature cracked down on the theft of copper in 2013, we must place safeguards to prevent the illegal trade and theft of catalytic converters now."

2025 Committee Member of

2025 Allowance Report

Expenditure Report

Measures Introduced in 2025

Measure and Title
HB69 RELATING TO A COMPENSATORY TIME CASH-OUT PILOT PROGRAM.
HB125 HD1 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB128 HD1 RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.
HB133 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO SURFING.
HB159 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO QUALIFIED COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS.
HB160 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND.
HB161 HD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB162 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB163 HD1 RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.
HB164 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO INDEBTEDNESS TO THE STATE.
HB165 HD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII LABOR RELATIONS BOARD.
HB166 HD1 RELATING TO THE DEFENSE OF STATE EMPLOYEES.
HB167 RELATING TO HAZARD PAY.
HB168 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB169 HD1 RELATING TO MOPEDS.
HB170 RELATING TO LABOR.
HB171 RELATING TO LABOR.
HB172 RELATING TO STATE WORKERS.
HB173 RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB174 RELATING TO LABOR.
HB202 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO THE ADEQUATE RESERVE FUND.
HB203 RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
HB205 HD1 RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB213 HD1 RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB219 RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB220 HD1 RELATING TO MOPED INSURANCE.
HB221 RELATING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL TUITION.
HB222 HD1 RELATING TO THE WAGE AND HOUR LAW.
HB223 HD1 RELATING TO PHARMACY.
HB224 HD1 RELATING TO PROPERTY RIGHTS.
HB225 HD1 RELATING TO SQUATTING.
HB238 HD1 RELATING TO EARLY CHILD CARE.
HB246 RELATING TO STATE LICENSED CARE FACILITIES.
HB249 HD1 RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB278 HD1 RELATING TO POLICING.
HB279 RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB301 RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS.
HB302 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB303 HD2 SD2 RELATING TO HEALTHCARE PRECEPTORS.
HB325 HD1 RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.
HB335 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB423 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB424 HD2 RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB425 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB427 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.
HB428 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
HB429 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB430 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO INTERNSHIPS.
HB431 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB432 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB433 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB434 RELATING TO DOULAS.
HB435 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.
HB436 RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONES.
HB437 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.
HB438 HD2 RELATING TO DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS.
HB439 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB440 RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
HB441 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO CIGARETTE TAXES.
HB442 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB455 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.
HB472 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION.
HB473 RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB474 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO FALL PREVENTION.
HB475 RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES.
HB476 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX.
HB477 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAW.
HB478 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.
HB479 RELATING TO THE TIP CREDIT.
HB480 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB497 HD2 RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.
HB505 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO RED HILL.
HB546 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
HB549 HD3 SD1 RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
HB550 HD2 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB553 HD1 RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB555 HD1 RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.
HB557 HD2 RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.
HB581 RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB605 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
HB619 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB625 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB627 HD1 RELATING TO SCHOOL SAFETY.
HB656 RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.
HB700 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS.
HB702 HD1 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
HB703 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.
HB704 RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.
HB712 HD2 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB714 HD1 SD1 RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB727 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO THE WOMEN'S COURT.
HB728 PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
HB729 HD2 RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB730 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB731 HD1 RELATING TO MINORS.
HB755 HD2 RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB756 HD2 RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB757 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB760 HD1 RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB788 RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES.
HB789 RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
HB806 HD1 SD2 CD1 RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB807 HD2 SD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB810 HD1 RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION.
HB813 HD1 RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB815 HD1 RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB847 HD1 RELATING TO HAWAII RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACT.
HB848 RELATING TO EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND CONTRIBUTIONS.
HB980 HD1 RELATING TO ANIMALS.
HB1182 HD1 RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
HB1183 HD2 RELATING TO ALLOWANCE ON SERVICE RETIREMENTS.
HB1221 HD1 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
HB1343 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1388 HD1 RELATING TO RETIRANTS.
HB1389 HD1 RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.
HB1416 RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB1483 HD1 SD1 CD2 RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HCR24 HD1 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE ANALYSIS OF CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION MANAGERS.
HCR179 HD1 REQUESTING THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND TECHNOLOGY AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR TO CONVENE A LEGISLATIVE WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING A PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM FOR THE STATE.
HR23 HD1 REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE ANALYSIS OF CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION MANAGERS.
HR175 HD1 REQUESTING THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND TECHNOLOGY AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR TO CONVENE A LEGISLATIVE WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING A PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM FOR THE STATE.

Representative Jackson D. Sayama (D)