Rep. Awana elected as Vice-Chair of National Caucus of Native American State Legislators

 

The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators (NCNASL) has elected Representative Karen Awana (Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili) to serve on the Executive Committee as Vice-Chair of the Caucus. The election occurred during the NCNASL’s annual meeting held last month in Minneapolis.

The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators is comprised of state legislators from across the United States who work to promote a better understanding of state-tribal issues among policymakers and the public at large.

"The NCNASL is the premier group providing communication and discussion among state legislators from across the country on issues important to Native populations," said Representative Awana. "I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to contribute to the advancement of these issues on the national level.”

Members hope to encourage a broad awareness of state-tribal issues across the country and raise the profile of tribal issues throughout the state legislative arena. The effectiveness of the organization and the strength of individual Native American legislators, increase the ability of the state legislatures to more appropriately address tribal issues and develop public policy in cooperation with tribal governments.

Awana also serves as the Chair of the NCNASL Policy Committee on Economic Development. The committee meets to address all topics associated with economic development including financial partnerships, community and corporate boards, and investments in Native communities.

She is joined on the committee by fellow Hawaii lawmakers Senator J. Kalani English, Senator Brickwood Galuteria, Representative Ty Cullen, Representative Derek Kawakami, and Representative Mele Carroll.