Representative Matthias Kusch

Need help paying your electric bill?

Applications are now being accepted through June 30 for the Hawaiʻi Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP), which provides bill assistance for eligible Hawaiian Electric customers.

For our Hawaiʻi Island residents, assistance may be available if you meet program requirements. Don’t miss this opportunity to get help with your energy costs.

📍 More information and applications:hceoc.net/energy/liheap/

Please help spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors who may benefit from this program.

This weekend was the Hawaii Democratic Party convention in Honolulu.

The party elected a new chair, Makai Freitas, and heard from inspirational speakers like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Great people, values worth fighting for and excellent debates over key issues.

Democracy in its essence!

Hawaii Island United Way and the Food Basket celebrated the release of funds for multiple nonprofits; serving food to Keiki and Kupuna, housing for our working families and support services for those who have no roof over their head.

These nonprofits unite our farmers and families with fresh produce, while our tax dollars go significantly further using local knowledge, healthy foods and personal relationships that build community.

Consider volunteering, donating or simply provide a word of encouragement to our community organizations.

Dragon Leadership! It was an honor to present a House of Representatives certificate to Pacific Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) honoree Eldrich P., a rising Senior at Honokaʻa High School whose work centers on sustainable tourism: Blending business and sustainability in ways that truly complement each other.

Surrounded by Principal Blanco and his Advanced Placement (AP) peers, I have a feeling this humble young man is going places.

Honokaʻa Elementary representing!

The last of the 9 schools in House District 1 to perform, was maybe the best. Huge community turn out, great performances, and if there’s never been a better display of commitment; the teacher for 6th grade, not directing….but in the performance! (Pic #4) The crowd loved it.

Just doesn’t get any better than this!

The future so bright for the Hōnokaʻa Dragons class of 2026! From Harvard to HCC, electricians to future biochemists, the pride and excitement of taking the next big step was on full display.

Parents, grandparents, cousins and siblings; everyone came together to witness this great moment in life‘s journey

The 2026 edition of Hilo High Vikings were officially christened with their diplomas, and set forth into the world.

It’s a huge honor to be present at this milestone event. For so many families these young adults are embarking on their first big step into being citizens within our community,. The future leaders and families that will make up the fabric of East Hawaii for decades to come

Huge turnout for beloved Kaumana Elementary school’s Ho’olaulea. Each grade did several routines and were impressively in sync. The legacy of our public school teachers is reflected in every students shining performance. On the stage and in the test room.

Balm for the soul. I was invited to a lovely morning watching E. B. DeSilva Elementary school children perform at the Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium.
My three girls are well past their elementary school years, so it’s such a joy to see the kids having a good time performing. Summertime is around the corner!

100,000. That’s how many meals the Honokaʻa Hongwanji has distributed over the last 7 years. These dedicated volunteers show up early in the morning, cook farm fresh food all day, then the afternoon crew distributes roughly 500 meals every Friday.