Rep. Jordan on Kukui Connection

Rep. Jo Jordan is the current guest on Kukui Connection, the weekly interview show hosted by Rep. Marilyn Lee. The series airs on Sunday, 4:00 p.m. on Olelo, Channel 54.

Rep. Jordan represents District 45 - Waianae, Makaha, Makua. She was appointed to the seat by Governor Abercrombie at the start of the legislative session and takes over for Maile Shimabukuro who was appointed to the Senate. Sen. Shimabukuro filled the Senate seat left vacant when Colleen Hanabusa won the U.S. Congressional seat, first district, in November, setting off a domino effect.

No stranger to local politics and community issues, Jordan served on the Waianae Coast neighborhood board for the past 13 years, the last two years as chair. She has also been active in various community groups and organizations - all good preparation for her work at the legislature.

Rep. Jordan is a tax accountant by profession, a background that served her well as a member of the House Finance Committee. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee and a member of Culture and the Arts, Hawaiian Affairs, and Health committees.

She talks about the diverse qualities of the communities in her district. Makaha, the resort development by financier Chinn Ho, has become more of an elderly community. Makua is primarily used by the military for training with very few residents. And Waianae struggles with homelessness and economic problems.

There are bright points too - especially the accomplishments and growth of Searider Productions at Waianae High School, and the offshoot corporate entity Makaha Productions which provides jobs and a creative skills path for Waianae graduates.

Considering her late start at the capitol, Rep. Jordan introduced about 20 bills, 2 of which made it all the way to conference. One bill died in the last 15 minutes before the deadline, and the other, HB1405 survived and passed the session. HB1405 requires the Office of Planning to establish a stateside system of greenways and trails.

Learn more about Rep. Jo Jordan on this coming Sunday, May 22nd.