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STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES VISIT LEGISLATORS IN HONOLULU FOR START OF SESSION

Representatives from Hawai'i Community College's Student Government traveled to O'ahu on January 17 to meet with Hawai'i Island legislators and talk about issues affecting community college students. Their visit coincided with the start of the legislative session.

The student council members who made the trip were Jonah Poaha-Pail, Vice President for the Hawai'i CC – Pālamanui campus; Yvonne Kincade, Treasurer; Malanai Arcuri, Secretary; and Kenneth "CJ" Sweezy, Senator for Hilo. There were joined by Student Government Advisors Claudia Wilcox-Boucher and Sam Giordanengo. The group met with Representative Richard Onishi, Representative Nicole Lowen, and Representative Chris Todd. They also met with Senator Kai Kahele's staff.

During their visit, the students focused on textbook costs and the cost of living, including the food and housing insecurity many students face. They proposed solutions such as improving the SNAP eligibility requirements for students and simplifying elements of the FAFSA application.

The day of the visit also marked the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, so in addition to meeting with legislators, they were able to hear many speakers talk about the history and aftermath of the overthrow.

"It was a full day and our student government represented our campus well," said Giordanengo.