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Photo of Richard H.K. Onishi

2
Hilo
Term of Office Ended: 11/06/2024
Representative Richard Onishi serves State House District 2, Hilo, Hawai'i. He is currently a member on Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee (CPC), Transportation Committee (TRN), and Housing Committee (HSG).

Representative Onishi was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii with over 20 years working for the County of Hawaii. He would start off his long career by joining the United States Army before returning to Hilo. In 2013 Representative Onishi joined the house Hawaii State Legislature as a member of the House of Representatives.

June 2023

May 2023 - End of Session

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March 2023

March 2023 - Mid Session

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March 2020

2021 Newsletter - Mid Session

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May 2020

2020 Newsletter - End of Session

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March 2020

2020 Newsletter - Mid Session

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May 2019

2019 Newsletter - End of Session

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May 8, 2018 1

2018 End of Session Newsletter

With the end of the 2018 Session, Representative Onishi looks back on what was accomplished this year. Please read the newsletter to find out more of what has happened during the 2018 Legislative session at the Capitol. Click here to view newsletter
April 6, 2018

Join us at Art at the Capitol



Come by the Hawaii State Capitol and join us at Representative Onishi's office to see the art we have on display, open and free to the public to view the State owned artworks inside. While you are here, enjoy the local art on all levels of the Capitol Building. The event starts at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday.
March 22, 2018

Rep Onishi's 2018 Invocation: Live Performance by Alina Tassano.


March 19, 2018

Live at the Legislature 03/19/2018


Watch Representative Onishi on the Facebook page for ‘Ōlelo for this week's Live at the Legislature at link provided. Skip to 13:32 to see the Rep discuss issues pertaining to Tourism and Hawaii Island.
If the public has any questions on matters discussed in the video, please feel free to call the Representative's office. Click here to view the video
March 14, 2018

2018 Newsletter - Mid Session

With the start of the 2018 Session, Representative Onishi begins his second year as Tourism Chair looking to focus on redefining how the transient accommodations tax (TAT) is used for the betterment of the public and tourism impacted areas. Homelessness is on everyone's minds, and the TAT would enable the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in partnership with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Authority and nonprofits from around the state, help address this with new initiatives. Please read the newsletter to find out more of what has happened so far at the Hawaii State Legislature. Click here to view newsletter
January 17, 2018

Welcome to the 2018 Legislative Session


Representative Onishi welcomes everyone to a new 2018 Session. We are looking forward to this 2nd biennial legislative year to pursue many of our goals to benefit the District 3 and State of Hawaii. The continued work of supporting the revitalization of the Banyan Drive area is a top priority, as well the procurement of funding to help facilitate better communications between the different enforcement and police agencies that help to combat crime. As the chair of the Tourism Committee there are many issues, including the continuing discussion on short term rentals.

The Representative welcomes all those who would like to voice the opinion to call, stop in, and be heard in this new legislative session.
January 10, 2018

2017 Newsletter - End Of Session



At the end of the 2017 Session, Representative Onishi focused on legislation relating to the state's visitor industry. At the end of the legislative process, the bill to improve Banyan Drive was recommitted to committee. Rep. Onishi will continue his support of the project and push for the passage of this important piece of legislation. The increasing number of unpermitted short term vacation rentals is an ongoing issue for our islands, but Rep. Onishi continues the conversations with the industry to look into viable solutions. Numerous road projects gained funding including the 4 Mile Creek Bridge and the Pana'ewa Stretch Improvements in Hilo. Representative Onishi strives to represent his constituents in the best way possible and is very grateful for your confidence and trust in expressing your concerns. Click here to view newsletter
January 10, 2018

2017 Mid Session Newsletter



With the start of the 2017 Session, Representative Onishi took on the new role of Chair of the Tourism Committee. Focusing on redevelopment and the improvement of Banyan Drive area in Hilo, the growing vacation rental discussion, helping Agriculture, invasive species, and a number of improvements to school facilities and state highways. Click here to view newsletter
 2024 Allowance Report
 Measures Introduced in 2024
Measure and Title
HB54 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB56
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES.
HB57 HD1
RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB58
RELATING TO COMPENSATION BENEFITS.
HB59
RELATING TO LIBRARIES AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
HB71 HD1
RELATED TO SUMMARY POSSESSION.
HB74 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX.
HB147
RELATING TO VEHICLE WEIGHT TAXES.
HB149
RELATING TO TAX HAVEN ABUSE.
HB216
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB265
RELATING TO CRIMES.
HB267
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY'S ‘OLELO HAWAI‘I INITIATIVES.
HB272
RELATING TO THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB273
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
HB305 HD1
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB309 HD1
RELATING TO IRRIGATION.
HB313 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB424
RELATING TO AN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.
HB440 HD1
RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
HB458
RELATING TO WATER.
HB499 HD1
RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.
HB501
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB517 HD1
RELATING TO HEALTH DATA SHARING.
HB522 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
HB548
RELATING TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION EDUCATION.
HB551 HD1
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB571 HD1
RELATING TO THE KAHO‘OLAWE ISLAND RESERVE COMMISSION.
HB593 HD1
RELATING TO POLICE REPORTS.
HB607 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB616
RELATING TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB648 HD1
RELATING TO KUPUNA HOUSING.
HB649
RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
HB651
RELATING TO CARE FACILITY INSPECTIONS.
HB679 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO STATE FUNDS.
HB680 HD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HB694 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB831
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS.
HB852 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO STATE ENTERPRISE ZONES.
HB871 HD1
RELATING TO SERVICE ANIMALS.
HB872 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTHY AGING PARTNERSHIP.
HB949 HD2
RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
HB951 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB952 HD1
RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB962
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS.
HB965
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1179
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB1180
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB1182 HD2
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
HB1218
RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.
HB1241 HD2
RELATING TO RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS.
HB1243 HD1
RELATING TO THE EAST HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
HB1244 HD1
RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB1248 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INCENTIVES.
HB1261 HD2
RELATING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE DIGITAL CURRENCY LICENSURE.
HB1263 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO THE HAWAII ABLE SAVINGS PROGRAM.
HB1265
RELATING TO PSYCHOLOGY.
HB1331 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1341 HD1
RELATING TO MEDICAID.
HB1343 HD1
RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.
HB1370 HD1
RELATING TO THE STATE ARCHIVES.
HB1372
RELATING TO THE TIP CREDIT.
HB1379
RELATING TO A STATEWIDE DATA HUB.
HB1380
RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE THIRD REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1381
RELATING TO TOURISM GOVERNANCE.
HB1383 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1384 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO MANUFACTURING.
HB1385 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
HB1386 HD1
RELATING TO THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB1387
RELATING TO THE HAWAII HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
HB1388
RELATING TO THE TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAX.
HB1423
RELATING TO ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES.
HB1427
RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE.
HB1428
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB1441
RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE.
HB1442 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO REHABILITATION.
HB1448 HD2
RELATING TO ASTHMA.
HB1449 HD1
RELATING TO LUNG CANCER.
HB1452
RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB1506 HD1
RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF THE STATE OF HAWAII.
HB1563
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB1572
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB1611 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
HB1614 HD1
RELATING TO TEACHERS.
HB1616 HD1
RELATING TO FIRE ALARMS.
HB1623
RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS.
HB1648 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY.
HB1649 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1650 HD1
RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
HB1651 HD2
RELATING TO THE SAFETY OF EDUCATIONAL WORKERS.
HB1655 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1656 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL BUS SERVICES.
HB1657 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1663
RELATING TO EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS.
HB1669
RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.
HB1688 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
HB1693
RELATING TO ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES.
HB1780 HD1
RELATING TO WORLD PEACE DAY.
HB1781 HD2
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
HB1782 HD2
RELATING TO HEMP.
HB1827 HD2 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB1830 HD2 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
HB1831 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO CRISIS INTERVENTION.
HB1832 HD1 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO HIRING.
HB1833 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB1835 HD1
RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT.
HB1836 HD2 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1837 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL SAFETY.
HB1841 HD2
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB1842 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION.
HB1843 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO FIRE PROTECTION.
HB1844 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB1890
RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION.
HB1904 HD2
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1931
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
HB1933 HD1
RELATING TO SOBRIETY CHECKS.
HB1934 HD2
RELATING TO DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED.
HB1955 HD1
RELATING TO THE SPECIAL LAND AND DEVELOPMENT FUND.
HB1956 HD1
RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
HB1959 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
HB1971
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB1974 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SOCIAL SERVICES.
HB2000
RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENERGY LABORATORY OF HAWAII AUTHORITY.
HB2014
RELATING TO HARASSMENT.
HB2112 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO MOPED INSURANCE.
HB2114
RELATING TO SPORTS BETTING.
HB2140 HD2
RELATING TO ORNAMENTAL GINGER.
HB2154
RELATING TO THE ELLISON ONIZUKA SPACE CENTER.
HB2191 HD1
RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.
HB2192 HD1 SD1 CD1
RELATING TO CEMETERIES.
HB2193 HD1 SD2 CD1
RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HB2194
RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB2539 HD1
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
HB2577 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB2579 HD1
RELATING TO THE HILO COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DISTRICT.
HB2584
RELATING TO EQUITY.
HB2622 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB2634 HD1
RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
HB2643
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB2649
RELATING TO ACCESS FOR REPRODUCTIVE CARE.
HB2650 HD2
RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
HB2651
RELATING TO HAZARD MITIGATION.
HB2664 HD1
RELATING TO SPORTS FACILITIES.
HB2682
RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE COLLEGE REVOLVING FUND AND THE HAWAIIAN EARLY LEARNING TRUST FUND.
HB2683 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO ACCESS TO LEARNING.
HB2684 HD2
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT HILO.
HB2716
RELATING TO CRIMINAL HOMICIDE.
HB2724 HD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
HB2725 HD1
RELATING TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY.
HB2761
RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SECOND REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB2771 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.
HCR3
URGING EACH COUNTY TO ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY ZONING CODE FOR POST-DISASTER USE.
HCR4 HD1
REQUESTING THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE NORTHWEST WILDLAND FIRE PROTECTION AGREEMENT TO AMEND THE AGREEMENT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO JOIN AS A MEMBER.
HCR90
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MAKE AVAILABLE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC DURING NON-PEAK HOURS AND NON-SCHOOL DAYS.
HCR96
SUPPORTING A CLOSER PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN IN VALUES AND COMMON GOALS, THE RELATIONSHIPS AND EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND TAIWAN, TAIWAN'S INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION, AND THE SIGNING OF A UNITED STATES-TAIWAN BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT.
HCR97 HD2
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO PLAN AND CONSTRUCT A HAWAII FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL.
HCR135
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO STUDY AND RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS TO RESOLVE SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CAUSED BY BARGE DELAYS TO LĀNAʻI.
HCR226
RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES ON THE UPCOMING OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY IN 2025.
HR80
SUPPORTING A CLOSER PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN IN VALUES AND COMMON GOALS, THE RELATIONSHIPS AND EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII AND TAIWAN, TAIWAN'S INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION, AND THE SIGNING OF A UNITED STATES-TAIWAN BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT.
HR81 HD2
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO PLAN AND CONSTRUCT A HAWAII FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL.
HR116
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO STUDY AND RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS TO RESOLVE SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CAUSED BY BARGE DELAYS TO LĀNAʻI.
HR212
RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES ON THE UPCOMING OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY IN 2025.