Representative Diamond Garcia

Today, I hosted a productive stakeholder meeting on HB1744, legislation that would expand Med-QUEST coverage to include naturopathic care. Mahalo to Dr. Michael Traub, President of Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Christine Ako, Dr. Landon Opunui of Nā Puʻuwai, and Meredith Nichols, Acting Med-QUEST Administrator, for joining the discussion.

Our conversation centered on the ongoing health disparities impacting Native Hawaiian communities, Hawaiʻi’s physician shortage, and the urgent need to expand access to natural care. With limited providers and long wait times, many families are struggling to receive timely treatment. Multiple other states already allow Medicaid coverage for naturopathic care. Ensuring fair access for Hawaiʻi’s Med-QUEST patients is critical as we work to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes across our state.

⚡️CIP FUNDS RELEASED FOR UH WEST O‘AHU ⚡️

Great News! The Governor’s administration has released $6.5 Million in capital improvement project funding for improvements at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. These funds will support renewing improving and modernizing campus facilities that serve students, faculty and the broader West Oʻahu community.

UH West Oʻahu plays an important role in keeping higher education accessible to the West O’ahu community. Investments like this help ensure our students have the facilities they need to succeed and build their future right here in our community.

Today we pause to remember what happened 24 years ago on September 11, 2001. We honor the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the families who still carry the weight of that day. 🇺🇸

May we never forget, and may we always strive to build a future rooted in faith, hope, and courage.

#911

Exciting News for Kapolei High School ⚡️

The Governor just released $3 million in CIP (Capital Improvement Project) funds to design a new classroom building at Kapolei High School! — This funding is long overdue and will help address the severe overcrowding that’s impacted students for years. Mahalo Gov 🤙🏽

While this moves forward, we’re continuing the push to fully build the East Kapolei High School — a desperately needed campus as the Honouliuli community continues to grow.

Today on the House Floor, we honored the courageous leaders of the Kapolei Homesteads Neighborhood Security Watch Group Leaders.

These are everyday heroes who don’t wait around for government to step in—they step up. They patrol our streets, look out for their neighbors, and take action when something’s not right.

They stand united, not in fear, but in strength—a strength rooted in their love for ʻohana and their commitment to protecting our West Oʻahu community.

To all our community watch leaders: Mahalo Nui Loa for being the eyes and ears on the ground, and for reminding us that real change always starts with us.

Let’s keep standing together 🙌🏽

Let’s keep fighting for safer streets 💪🏽

And let’s never stop defending the place we call home — HAWAI‘I ⚡️