Hawaii Can’t Afford To Have A Missing Congressman

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party October 15, 2014

HONOLULU (October 15, 2014) - Mark Takai talks a lot about his service in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. But his recent record in the Legislature should be cause for concern for voters in the First Congressional District.

In 2014, Takai failed to attend every hearing and didn’t participate in any votes in three committees that he’s assigned to:

• the House Tourism Committee,
• Higher Education Committee and
• Education Committee.

Takai did attend meetings of the Veterans, Military & International Affairs Committee, which he chairs.

"A conscientious lawmaker makes every effort to attend most committee meetings. It is unusual – and egregious – for a representative to not show up for deliberations or take part in votes in three committees for an entire legislative session,” said Pat Saiki, chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. "Whatever the reason, Mark Takai’s sorry record is embarrassing and shameful for any lawmaker.”

Added Saiki, "Hawaii is a small state far away from Washington D.C. We need a fully engaged congressman who takes his responsibilities seriously, and represents the best interests of his state in committees and on the floor of the House of Representatives. We can’t afford a representative who shows up only when the issue is of interest to him.”

# # #