2025 HOUSE AND SENATE SESSION JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW

Photo of Lisa Kitagawa

House District 48
Kāne‘ohe, ‘Āhuimanu, Kahalu‘u, Waiāhole, Ka‘a‘awa
Room: 435
Phone: 808-586-8540
Fax: 808-586-8544
repkitagawa@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Lisa Kitagawa is a fourth generation Japanese American who was born and raised in Kāneʻohe. In the 1960s, all of her grandparents moved to Kāneʻohe where they and their families have continued to call the Windward community their home for almost 60 years. Elected to office in 2018, she currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance. Additionally, she serves on the Committees on Housing and Transportation and the Committee on Legislative Management.

Representative Kitagawa attended Benjamin Parker Elementary School, King Intermediate School and Castle High School. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Resources and a Minor in Speech, and a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration.

Prior to being elected to office, Representative Kitagawa worked at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as both a faculty member in student affairs and as a student services specialist for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). She also served as the Office Manager to Representative Aaron Ling Johanson.

She has been an active member of her community by serving with the Kiwanis Club of Kāneʻohe, Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, and the Castle Alumni/Community Association.

Representative Kitagawa has been married to her husband, Justin Akagi, for over ten years and they have two children, Maia-Joy and Noah.
Education
M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, University of Hawaii at Manoa
B.S. in Family Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Work
• Office Manager, Office of Representative Aaron Ling Johanson
• Student Services Specialist, UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
• Junior Faculty Specialist/Associate Director for Student Involvement and Leadership Development Programs & Coordinator for New Student Programs, UH-Manoa Office of Student Life and Development

Community
• Previous President, Benjamin Parker Elementary School Ohana (PTA)
• Member, Kiwanis Club of Kaneohe
• Member, Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club
• Member, Castle Alumni/Community Association
• Volunteer, Kaneohe Community Family Center
• Previous Volunteer, Cherry Blossom Festival, Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce

October 24, 2023

2023 Kane'ohe Town Hall



Please join us at our 2023 Kaāne'ohe Town Hall on  October 30th  from  6:00pm - 7:00pm  at Ben Parker Cafeteria. Refreshments will be provided. To register and submit your questions ahead of time,   click here.
August 31, 2023

2023 Windward Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic



June 27, 2022

Castle Complex School Supply Drive



Representative Scot Matayoshi and I are partnering with community organizations, as well as Windward Mall, to put on our third annual school supply drive for our Castle Complex schools. We want to help ensure that our community's keiki have the supplies necessary to be successful this school year, as well as ensure that our teachers have what they need as well. We are collecting school supplies, such as pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, composition books, folders, backpacks, slippers and more to help our keiki succeed in the classroom, as well as monetary donations, which will be used to purchase school supplies. Volunteers will be on hand at the mall, near the food court, to accept donations on Friday July 14, noon to 9 p.m; Saturday July 15, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday July 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tax deductible donations can also be made online by going to https://www.chsalumknights.org/ under the "donate" tab, and selecting "school supplies" from the drop down menu. A receipt will be emailed to donors. Donation by check can be made out to Castle Alumni/Community Association with "school supplies" written on the memo line and either be dropped off at the mall during the event or mailed to: Castle Alumni/Community Association, P.O. Box 4432, Kaāneʻohe, HI 96744. Cash donations will also be accepted at the mall. For more information, please visit www.repkitagawa.com.
June 27, 2022

E-Waste Recycling Event



Rep. Matayoshi and I are excited to be partnering with Castle High School and other community organizations to host an E-Waste Recycling Event at Castle High School (Auditorium Parking Lot) on Saturday, July 1st from 9 am - 11 am. In addition to the items listed on the flyer, they will also accept old iPads/tablets and cell phones that you no longer want/need. You also do not need to clear memory on your devices if you do not want to. T&N Computer Recycling Services will do that once they receive your device.It's a great time to do some summer cleaning, and donate/recycle items you no longer need or want. Hope to see you there!
June 6, 2022

2022 Castle Complex School Supply Drive



Visit us as Windward Mall to donate items for the second annual Castle Complex School Supply Drive! For more information, visit repkitagawa.com .
January 10, 2022

Kāne'ohe Town Hall



Join Representative Kitagawa, Representative Matayoshi, Senator Keohokalole, Councilmember Kia'aina, and special guest Ernie Lau from the Board of Water Supply to get an update on the Red Hill water issue and hear about the 2022 Legislative session Priorities. Please submit questions ahead of time by visiting: https://bit.ly/3pRbc5f. We hope to see you there!
April 21, 2021

House Transportation Committee Safe Driving Public Service Announcement



As a member of the House Committee on Transportation, Rep Kitagawa participated in a PSA (Public Service Announcement) project to highlight National Driving Awareness Month by reminding drivers of safe driving practices. To watch the full PSA, click here.
April 9, 2021

Representative Kitagawa speaks at Trauma-Informed Education Talk-Story



Increasing the availability of trauma-informed education in schools has become a passion of Representative Kitagawa's. She recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with members of the community who are also passionate about trauma-informed care and education. Click here to view the panel discussion and learn more about trauma-informed education and initiatives that are happening across our state.
March 16, 2021

Live at the Legislature Interview with Rep Kitagawa



Click here to watch the full interview of Representative Kitagawa discussing Education Week at the legislature and other important issues concerning our public schools.
March 5, 2021

He'eia to Waiahole Town Hall



Please join Representative Kitagawa, Senator Riviere, and Councilmember Tsuneyoshi for the annual He'eia to Waiahole Town Hall on Mar 30, 2021 at 6:30 PM. You may register for this event by clicking on the link below:

https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcequpzksGtfiFlG3bFjUbboYxesletoF
January 22, 2021

Town Hall Meeting: Cesspool Conversion


Senator Riviere and I are happy to to partnering with Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations to host a Town Hall meeting for constituents to learn about our community's cesspool issue, as well as initiatives that may help with cesspool conversion. Please attend our Virtual Town Hall meeting via Zoom on Thursday, February 4th at 6:30pm by pre-registering at: https://tinyurl.com/WAITownHall. We hope to see you there!
January 21, 2021

Kane'ohe Legislative Town Hall with Governor Ige

July 1, 2020

KHON2 Interview with Rep Kitagawa on Funding for Future Childcare Services



Watch the full segment here.
June 26, 2020

KHON2 Interview with Rep Kitagawa on funding for Food Security



Watch the full segment here.
June 22, 2020

Clinic for the homeless in Kane'ohe reopens after two month closure



A clinic for the homeless in Windward Oahu re-opened Monday, after closing more than two months ago because of COVID-19. "It's been a real challenge, I think the staff is excited. The community is excited and we're happy to be back on the Windward side, serving these people out here," Lilian DeCosta, RN, H4 Homeless Healthcare Facility clinical director, said ... State House Representative Lisa Kitagawa co-founded the clinic, she reports since the center opened last August, there's been about 1,000 visits. Most of the visits were for social services. "We've seen really good numbers of people serviced throughout the windward side. It's really showing a positive result right now," Kitagawa said.

To read the full article, click here.
June 1, 2020

Talk Story with House Majority - Interview with Rep. Richard Onishi and Rep. Lisa Kitagawa



Representative Kitagawa and Representative Onishi are interviewed by Majority Leader, Rep Belatti, to give updates on how they are assisting the community during COVID-19. To watch the full video, click here.
June 1, 2020

State Workers Put to Work to Help Process Unemployment Claims



Representative Kitagawa is interviewed about volunteering with the Unemployment Office to help process backlogged claims due to COVID-19. To read the full article, click here.
April 14, 2020

Live at the Legislature with Representative Kitagawa and Representative Matayoshi



Representative Kitagawa, along with Representative Matayoshi, speak about what they have been doing in the community to help constituents during COVID-19. To watch this eposide, please click here.
April 1, 2020

Windward Menu Website created by Rep. Kitagawa and Rep. Matayoshi



Representative Matayoshi and I have created a website ( www.WindwardMenu.com ) called Windward Menu in an attempt to consolidate all Windward restaurant information to make it easier for residents to continue to eat at and support our local restaurants. Our initial goal was to help the restaurants in our community survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, so have the needs of our community. Because of that, we have expanded our website to include resources for Windward Oahu residents, as well as Windward farm produce options. Our website will continue to evolve to provide the most helpful information to our community, so I encourage you to check the website regularly.

We have also created numerous informational flyers to provide our community with up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to COVID-19. These flyers are available under the "Windward Resources" tab on our website.

January 29, 2020

Town Hall Meeting 2/6/20



Join Representative Kitagawa, Senator Riviere, and Councilmember Tsuneyoshi on February 6th, 2020 for a Town Hall Meeting. The Town Hall will be held at Kahalu'u Elementary School at 6:30pm.
January 8, 2020

Kaneohe Dog Park Town Hall 1/22/20



Representative Kitagawa, along with Representative Matayoshi, Senator Keohokalole, and Councilmember Anderson, will be holding a Dog Park Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Ben Parker Elementary School Cafeteria. If you would like to see a dog park created in Kāneʻohe, please attend. We would like to get the community's input on a location and support for this project. Please join us at this town hall and share your thoughts on creating a dog park in Kane'ohe.
January 6, 2020

MidWeek: Community, State Programs Abound for Kupuna

Recently, I had the opportunity to have breakfast and engage in conversation with many seniors at the KEY Project Kūpuna Breakfast in Kahalu'u. This breakfast, which is part of its Kūpuna Program, is one of the many wonderful activities that the KEY Project sponsors to bring together and support our Windward communities. I enjoyed sharing stories with the kūpuna that were there, and seeing how active and engaged they are. The free Kūpuna Breakfast, which happens every Wednesday and Friday morning, provides seniors with a freshly prepared meal and an opportunity for fellowship. This Program also offers seniors with classes, such as ukulele, arts and crafts, and exercise, as well as field trips. The Kūpuna Program is free and open to seniors ages 50 and over. (to read the full article, click here )
January 6, 2020

MidWeek: Kane'ohe Joint Outreach Center Starts Out Strong

As I drive through Kāneʻohe and see the many homeless individuals that are living on the streets, I think back to a time when our community didn't have concerns with homelessness. I remember at 14, going out one evening with my church youth group, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in hand, hoping to feed and help the homeless. We walked along Kamehameha Highway and could not find one individual who was in need. When we finally found a man who was rummaging through a trash can near Safeway, he smiled and declined our sandwiches and help. As a teenager who wanted to make a positive difference in our community, I was disappointed that I didn't help anyone that evening. Now, twenty-five years later, Kāneʻohe has seen an increase in homelessness and there are never enough sandwiches to go around. The needs are greater and homelessness is compounded by drug addiction and mental illness. (to read the full article, click here )
October 28, 2019

Kane'ohe JOC Partners with Mobile Hygiene Service: Revive + Refresh



The Kane'ohe Joint Outreach Center has recently partnered with Revive + Refresh to now include a shower service. The nonprofit organization, Revive + Refresh, will be offering hot showers, hygiene supplies, and a meal to those in need. This service will take place at the lower parking lot of the Kane'ohe Public Library every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 9:30am - 11:30am.

For the full news stories, please follow the links below:
click here
August 14, 2019

Kaneohe Complete Streets Community Meeting: Aug. 6, 2019



The city’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is holding a second community meeting to present and gather feedback on conceptual plans for Complete Streets improvements to Kamehameha Highway, Ha‘ikū Road, Kane‘ohe Bay Drive, and Kahuhipa Street.

The public can explore the Kane‘ohe Complete Streets Project online at http://www.honolulu.gov/completestreets/kaneohe while also following us on Facebook (http://fb.com/hnlcompletestreets) and Instagram (@cch_complete_streets). The conceptual plans will be posted online after the community meeting.

The meeting details are as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 27
6:30 p.m.
Ben Parker Elementary School Cafeteria
45-259 Waikalua Road
Kane‘ohe, HI 96744

Light refreshments will be provided. For questions, comments, or if you require special accommodations to attend the meeting, please contact Joanne Hiramatsu at jhiramatsu@bchdesign.com or (808) 846-3309.
August 14, 2019

Community Joins Together to Open Kane'ohe JOC



If you ask anyone in our community what their concerns are about Windward O'ahu, many will mention the fast-growing homeless population in our neighborhoods. Data from the Institute for Human Services (IHS) indicates that there is a 12% increase in the number of unsheltered individuals in 2019, and that Windward O'ahu has the second highest number of unsheltered individuals of all Oʻahu regions. As your legislators and fellow Kāneʻohe residents, State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Representative Scot Matayoshi, and I, share your concerns about the growing homelessness issue. In response, we have partnered with the Hawaiʻi Homeless Healthcare Hui (H4) to create the Kane'ohe Joint Outreach Center (JOC) to help combat and alleviate this issue.

To read the full article, click here
July 5, 2019

Hawaii News Now: Kaneohe Joint Outreach Center



HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - An urgent care clinic that caters to the homeless is in the works for Kaneohe. The clinic is designed to save money by preventing emergencies ― and more serious illness. Patients can walk-in and be seen by a doctor, even if they don’t have any money. The clinic will be housed in the Kaneohe Civic Center, next door to the police station. It would be Oahu's second Joint Outreach Center. The first, in Chinatown, has treated hundreds of patients since opening in mid-April of last year. While the Kaneohe clinic will be open to the public, its mission is to help the homeless ― many of whom live right outside the door. "We've seen over the years the increase of the homeless population here in Kaneohe," said state Rep. Lisa Kitagawa, whose district includes Kaneohe.

For the full story and video, click here click here
June 7, 2019

MidWeek: Remembering to Cherish Our Kane'ohe Anew

Having grown up in Kāneʻohe my entire life, I thought I knew Kane'ohe well. However, I have come to realize this past year how much of Kane'ohe I have taken for granted or overlooked. Sometimes we forget to appreciate what we have around us when we are blessed daily. We are only reminded when someone living in urban Honolulu, or someone who has moved away, says, "Wow, you live Kane'ohe? You so lucky." Although I’m reminded daily by the panoramic view of the Ko'olau Mountain Range from my backyard and by the breathtaking view of Kāneʻohe Bay as I make my way home from work through the tunnels, I sometimes take for granted this special place that we call home.

To read the full article, click here
June 4, 2019

MidWeek: Get Involved In Community For Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, when we celebrate and show appreciation for the work that volunteers do year-round. Many of us have volunteered before – whether it’s helping with a local non-profit organization, serving at church, volunteering at school or sports activities, or helping a neighbor in need. Volunteering not only helps the community, but can also have a positive impact on your life. It can improve your health emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually, and in other positive ways, such as build community, create friendships and connections, improve self-esteem, and add more meaning to life.

To read the full article, click here
June 4, 2019

MidWeek: Discovering, Cherishing Waihe'e's Waters of Life


Ka wai ola, the waters of life!

Last month I had the opportunity to voyage deep into the Ko'olau Mountains to visit the Waiheˈe Water Tunnel. The Waihe'e Tunnel is managed by the Board of Water Supply. Aunty Mahealani Cypher and Aunty Rocky Kaluhiwa of the Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club invited State Legislators to visit this special place.

To read the full article, click here

June 4, 2019

MidWeek: Remembering the Past to Chart a Future Path

Happy New Year! I wish you and your family good health, prosperity and happiness in 2019.

I have always believed that the new year is a time to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future. As a newly elected State Representative, I have spent time preparing for my role by thinking about the future – the future of our families and children, the future of our Windward community, and the future of our State.

To read the full article, click here
April 15, 2019

Malama 96744 Graffiti Paint-Out & Community Clean-Up - April 27, 2019

The community is invited to attend the Malama 96744 Graffiti Paint-Out & Community Clean-Up on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kāne’ohe District Park. To sign up or for more information, contact the PACT Kāne’ohe Community Family Center at 235-7747 or e-mail kcfc@pacthawaii.org. See flyer for more details.



March 19, 2019

Invitation to Kāneʻohe Town Hall on April 10, 2019

Senator Keohokalole, Representative Matayoshi, Councilmember Anderson and I will be hosting a Kāneʻohe Town Hall to provide legislative updates. Please see the attached flyer above for more details. For more information, contact Senator Keohokalole's office at (808) 587-7215. We hope to see you there!




February 19, 2019

Live at the Legislature - House Majority - 2/19/2019



January 28, 2019

Invitation to Feb. 5 Town Hall Meeting with Sen. Riviere, Rep. Kitagawa, and Councilmember Tsuneyoshi


You are invited to a Town Hall meeting sponsored by Senator Gil Riviere with Representative Lisa Kitagawa and Councilmember Heidi Tsuneyoshi on Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30pm at Kahaluu Elementary School. Your elected officials will share updates on the legislative session and what is going on at the State Capitol. If you have any questions, contact Senator Riviere's office at (808) 586-7330. We hope to see you there!




January 15, 2019

Public Outreach Information for 2018 Windward TheBus Routes Redesign Phase 2


Modifications to the Windward TheBus Routes are listed below:
• Route 70 will retain service to le Jardin Academy, and along Aloha Oe Dr.
• Routes 85A and 88 will NOT be combined, and will not change.
• A new Kaneohe circulator route (Route 651) will connect Windward City Shopping Center, Puohala, Windward Mall & Windward Community College.
• Route 55 will remain on Kamehameha Hwy between Haiku Rd & Hygienic Store. Routing along Haiku Rd & Alaloa/Heeia Sts will be removed.
• Route 65 will remain on Kahekili Hwy between Haiku Rd & Hui Iwa St, extend all trips to Ala Moana, and extend routing along Alaloa/Heeia Sts.
• Route 85 will be extended to provide service to Mokulele/Namoku/Aumoku Sts.
• Route 87 will be extended to provide service to Hele/Kupau Sts

Route maps and descriptions can be found at www.thebus.org/WindwardTheBusRoutes/. Pending the availability of funding, all or part of these proposed route changes may be implemented next year.

PUBLIC OUTREACH INFORMATION
Timelines are subject to change.
Public Outreach Period
Nov 2018 to Jan 2019: General distribution of brochure to the public and Neighborhood Boards (presentations will be made upon request by the NB - please refer to the NB Agenda).
• Kailua meets 1st Thursday
• Waimanalo meets 2nd Monday
• Kahaluu meets 2nd Wednesday
• Koolauloa meets 2nd Thursday
• Kaneohe meets 3rd Thursday
• North Shore meets 4th Tuesday

Contact
To let us know what you think and/or if you require translation services.
Voicemail: 808-768-8368
Direct line: 808-768-8367 (M-F, 8am-4pm)
Email: thebusstop@honolulu.gov
Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/WindwardTheBusRoutes2
Detailed information: www.thebus.org/WindwardTheBusRoutes/
2025 Committee Member of
 Measures Introduced in 2025
Measure and Title
HB54
RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
HB69
RELATING TO A COMPENSATORY TIME CASH-OUT PILOT PROGRAM.
HB86
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB87
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB88
RELATING TO STUDENT ATHLETES.
HB89
RELATING TO TEACHER HOUSING.
HB97
RELATING TO TRAVEL INSURANCE.
HB104
RELATING TO CANDIDATES.
HB106
RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB107
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB110
RELATING TO LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
HB123
RELATING TO FISHERIES.
HB125
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB126
RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE.
HB130
RELATING TO FEES FOR PUBLIC RECORDS UNDER CHAPTER 92F.
HB131
RELATING TO RESEARCH.
HB134
RELATING TO ELECTIONS.
HB136
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB137
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB138
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB139
RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB146
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY'S ‘ŌLELO HAWAI‘I INITIATIVES.
HB156
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB169
RELATING TO MOPEDS.
HB175
RELATING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE.
HB177
RELATING TO CIVIL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
HB178
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB179
RELATING TO INCOME TAX.
HB180
RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX EXEMPTIONS.
HB182
RELATING TO THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT.
HB183
RELATING TO THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT.
HB184
RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.
HB185
RELATING TO CARE HOMES.
HB204
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB205
RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB209
RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB213
RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB214
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB216
RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.