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Photo of Trish La Chica

House District 37
Portions of Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge, Waipi‘o Gentry
Room: 441
Phone: 808-586-6150
Fax: 808-586-6151
replachica@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Trish La Chica is a dedicated Filipino-American legislator and community leader proudly representing the 37th district, which includes parts of Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge, and Waipi'o Gentry. Appointed by Governor Josh Green in 2023, she is committed to serving her constituents and improving her community. Rep. La Chica currently serves as the Vice Chair for the House Committee on Education, and is also a member of the Higher Education, Economic Development, and Tourism committees.

Prior to joining the legislature, Representative La Chica spent over 15 years in leadership roles working for non-profit organizations, as well as state and county government in areas such as health, Medicaid, housing, and homelessness. Her passion for advocacy began as an investigative journalist in Manila, where she produced documentaries that shed light on the daily struggles of Filipino families and fought against corruption.

Rep. La Chica earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and her BA in Communication, minor in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Rep. La Chica is currently raising her two young kids with her husband in Mililani, where she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, visiting the beach, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes.

Representative La Chica remains steadfast in her commitment to putting her constituents first, ensuring all voices are heard, and fighting hard so that our community remains the best place to live and raise our families.
Previous Experience:
•Executive Director, Office of Housing and Homelessness, City & County of Honolulu
•Community and Government Relations Manager, AlohaCare
•Policy & Advocacy Director, Hawaii Public Health Institute
•Policy Analyst, Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii
•Community Engagement Specialist, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
•Journalist, ABS-CBN


Prior Community and Volunteer Work:
•Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board 25
•Mililani Town Association
•Achieve Zero Homeless Point in Time Count, Central Oahu to North Shore
•Soroptimist International of Central Oahu
•West Oahu Subarea Health Planning Council
•Young Democrats of Hawaii
•Democratic Party of Hawaii
•AAUW Hawaii


Awards and Recognition:
𤙬 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World (2015)

August 16, 2024

Hawaii lawmakers urge DOE to fix school bus driver shortage



Due to a shortage of bus drivers with the required commercial driver’s licenses, the department temporarily suspended routes in Central Oahu and East Hawaii island to prioritize transportation for students with disabilities, as mandated by federal law.

Quote: State Rep. Trish La Chica (D, Waipio-Mililani) expressed her frustration that the issue of bus driver shortages has persisted for years and continues to affect families and students. "It’s an ongoing crisis," La Chica said. "And then yet, we were all caught off guard two days before the school year started to not have received any type of outreach, any type of planning, any type of consideration of communities. … Hundreds of families like that were experiencing severe disruptions."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/08 /16/hawaii-news/legislators-urge-doe-to-fix-bus-driver-shortage/
August 15, 2024

DOE: Bus companies said they’d be ready for school year



Just days before school started, the DOE announced the suspension of nearly 150 bus routes on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island due to driver shortages.

Quote: "This school bus crisis happened last year," said Rep. Trish La Chica (D), Education Committee Vice Chair. "Happened the year prior to that. So the issue is not new. Yet we are really struggling to understand why it happened yet again this year."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.khon2.com/top-stories/doe-bus-companies-said-theyd-be-ready-for-school-year/
July 10, 2024

Green enacts deepfake media regulations

Last week, Gov. Josh Green signed into law Senate Bill 2686, which prohibits and penalizes the distribution of "materially deceptive media" and provides for remedies to parties targeted by such media.

"While artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential for innovation, the threat posed by manipulated media cannot be underestimated," said state Rep. Trish La Chica. "Deepfakes can distort our perception of reality, harming not just political candidates but any individual targeted by this technology."

Read the full article: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/ 2024/07/10/green-enacts-deepfake-media-regulations
March 28, 2024

Rep. Trish La Chica, HPD, Mililani High Partner for Public Safety Event



State Representative Trish La Chica is partnering with HPD and Mililani High School students to hold a sign waving event for public safety.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.kitv.com/video/rep-trish-la-chica-hpd-mililani-high-partner-for-public-safety-event/video_17a62be8-4f74-5796-b6a3-09617c799c19.html

March 28, 2024

Mililani community pushes for public safety awareness



The event’s message focused on public safety topics including driver safety, bullying, and more. Wake Up 2Day went live from Mililani with Rep. La Chica to find out more details.

"The purpose is really to just spread aloha, show aloha especially with everything that’s been happening across the state and here in our community," said Rep. La Chica.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.khon2.com/local-news/mililani-community-pushes-for- public-safety-awareness/
March 27, 2024

HECO safety measures instituted in wake of Maui wildfires prove a headache in Mililani



Hawaiian Electric Company recently made changes to improve safety in areas with a wildfire risk, such as Mililani. However, for residents, that has meant more power outages within the last month.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/03/28/heco-apologizes-after-new-safety-measures-leave-thousands-mililani-residents-dark/
February 19, 2024

Hawaii Legislators Seek To Crack Down On AI-Generated Political



La Chica’s bill doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or deepfakes, but it has "strict disclosure requirements," she said. "I think it’s really up to us, the younger generation, to educate the aunties and uncles about these types of things because they don’t even know what deepfakes are, right?"

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/02/hawaii-legislators-seek-to-crack- down-on-ai-generated-political-misinformation/
February 1, 2024

Hawaii looks to combat AI-generated deepfakes and disinformation ahead of 2024 elections



State Rep. Trish La Chica, who represents parts of Central Oahu, is introducing legislation to require campaigns to label any use of artificial intelligence starting 90 days before any primary or general election.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/02/01/hawaii- lawmakers-consider-bill-crackdown-artificial-intelligence/
January 18, 2024

Beth Fukumoto: Day 1 Of The Legislative Session: 'Buzzing With



When asked to describe her inaugural opening day, Rep. Trish La Chica said her office was “buzzing with energy” and listed a slate of policy goals for the next 60 legislative days. La Chica, who was appointed in February to replace longtime Mililani Rep. Ryan Yamane, will experience her first full session this year. And, as she points out, "It will be our first opportunity to deliver on issues that directly impact the district."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/01/beth-fukumoto-day-1-of-the-legislative-session-buzzing-with-energy/

Female carpenters enjoy good pay and mentoring



La Chica plans to introduce a bill to expand similar, pre-apprentice training programs in Hawaii high schools to help create more housing and “because Hawaii’s future and the ability for our youth to remain in Hawaii relies on an educated and skilled workforce. We’re going to need thousands of more jobs and we want them to be local jobs.”

She wants to retrofit more Hawaii high schools to provide on-site, hands-on training while partnering students with the construction industry to provide paid internships.

“We want to invest in their future by being able to start a life and career here with as little debt as possible,” La Chica said.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/01/14/hawaii- news/female-carpenters-enjoy-good-pay-and-mentoring/
December 13, 2023

WORKSHOP PREPARES AND EMPOWERS COMMUNITY AGAINST WILDFIRES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS



"One goal is to bring the community together so they have the knowledge, tools, and resources so that, in the event of another wildfire or disaster, they can make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their neighbors," shared Rep. La Chica. "It’s about activating our communities to work together, take care of one another, and be prepared."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2023/12/13/nr23-202/
December 7, 2023

Army, DOT clear Kipapa Gulch



This week’s cleanup was the result of a meeting coordinated by state Rep. Trish La China and involving McGunegle and Directorate of Emergency Services Director Col. Charles Green regarding debris removal and collaboration between the Army and the state to address homelessness in the area and around Oahu.

"The unique circumstances surrounding the encampment required follow-up and further collaboration between several federal and state entities," La Chica said.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://spectrumlocalnews. com/hi/hawaii/news/2023/12/07/army--dot-clear-kipapa-gulch-encampment
April 11, 2023

Public transit commute light on suspended school bus routes



La Chica found it took over 1-1/2 hours to traverse the 8 miles from Koa Ridge to Pearl City High. And even though she started walking from Koa Ridge to the nearest bus stop at 6:30 a.m. Friday, she arrived on campus at a time that would mean a tardy mark for a student: 11 minutes after the 8 a.m. bell to start classes. She made a video documenting her excursion and distributed the link in her constituent newsletter.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/08/09/hawaii-news/public-tran sit-commute-sheds-light-on-suspended-school-bus-routes/
July 26, 2023

Crime prevention at center of discussion in Central Oahu community meeting



State Rep. Trish La Chica of District 37 says safety is a high priority in the community.

“Clearly this is top of mind,” she said. “And as a mom raising two kids, similar to many parents in our community. It’s a very high priority to us."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www. hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/07/26/crime-prevention-center-discussion-central-oahu-community-meeting/
July 3, 2023

Hawaii Rep. La Chica for Filipino leaders program



La Chica (D, Waipio-­Mililani), the only FYLPRO delegate from Hawaii this year, was born and raised in the Philippines. Her first job out of college was in journalism working for one of the country’s largest television stations. She said she witnessed firsthand the “devastating impacts” of poverty, corruption and political instability on citizens’ everyday lives.

"I felt like I wanted to do more and be part of the solution," she said. "And I still find myself asking that same question."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/07/03/hawaii-news/hawaii-rep-la-chica-selected-for-filipino-leaders-program/
April 11, 2023

Hawai'i House lawmakers approve 77 Senate bills before second crossover deadline

The state House of Representatives today passed an additional 77 Senate Bills ahead of Thursday?s second crossover deadline. These bills now head back to the Senate for their consideration.

If the Senate disagrees to amendments made by the House, the bills will be negotiated in conference committees. To date, 213 Senate bills have been amended by the House, and crossed over to the Senate after passing third reading.

Key measures passed by the House today include bills relating to electronic smoking devices, child welfare services, a state telework pilot monitoring system, firearms, and destination management in Hawai?i.

"[SB975] is a measure that would regulate e-cigarettes as they remain to be the only tobacco product unregulated in the state. This measure would subject e-cigarettes to the current regulations that apply to cigarettes and other tobacco products. This includes taxation, the restriction of online sales and requiring permitting and licensing. This is our only remaining bill to regulate e-cigarettes," said Representative Trish La Chica (D-37, Portions of Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge, and Waipi'o Gentry).

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Maui Now Second Crossover
February 16, 2023

Gov. Green appoints Trish La Chica and Luke Evslin to fill vacant House seats



Trish La Chica will fill the House District 37 seat that was formerly occupied by Rep. Ryan Yamane, who was selected by Green to serve as the deputy director of the state Department of Human Resources Development.

La Chica formerly served as the City and County of Honolulu executive director of the Mayor's Office of Housing and Homelessness in 2022 and as the community government relations manager at AlohaCare. She's also been a member of the Mililani Neighborhood Board.

During a Wednesday press conference, La Chica said she'd like to focus on lowering the cost of living and transportation needs.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: HPR Appointment
February 15, 2023

Hawaii Health Advocate And Kauai Councilman Appointed To House

Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday that he is appointing public health advocate Trish La Chica to fill an empty House seat representing parts of Mililani and Kauai Councilman Luke Evslin to a vacant seat that covers Eastern Kauai.

La Chica and Evslin replace former Reps. Ryan Yamane and Jimmy Tokioka, who vacated their seats to work in Green's administration.

"These are just tremendous people, I'm happy to have them in the House of Representatives," Green said.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE: CB Appointment
2026 Committee Member of
 2026 Allowance Report
Expenditure Report
 Measures Introduced in 2026
Measure and Title
HB71
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB86 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
HB89 HD3
RELATING TO TEACHER HOUSING.
HB136
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB138
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB139 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB147
RELATING TO ATTACHMENT AND EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY.
HB156
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB177 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO CIVIL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
HB204
RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
HB213 HD1
RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB214 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB221
RELATING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL TUITION.
HB238 HD1
RELATING TO EARLY CHILD CARE.
HB244 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
HB249 HD1
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB251
RELATING TO SOCIAL WORK.
HB328 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB330 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL IMPACT FEES.
HB331 HD2
RELATING TO PERMITS.
HB332 HD1
RELATING TO RECYCLING.
HB333
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB334 HD1
RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS.
HB335
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB336
RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB346 HD1
RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.
HB365 HD1
RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
HB424 HD2
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB425
RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB428 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
HB429 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB432 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB433 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB435 HD1
RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.
HB437 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.
HB438 HD2
RELATING TO DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS.
HB439 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB440
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
HB446 HD1
RELATING TO A STATE HOTEL.
HB447
RELATED TO TOURISM.
HB448 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY ENABLEMENT.
HB455 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.
HB461 HD1
RELATING TO COMMUTING.
HB464 HD1
RELATING TO HOUSING.
HB466 HD1
RELATING TO EVICTIONS.
HB469
RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS.
HB473
RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB497 HD2
RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.
HB499 HD1
RELATING TO RESILIENCY.
HB501 HD2
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
HB503 HD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL.
HB507
RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
HB537 HD1
RELATING TO TWO-WHEELED MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
HB542 HD1
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII PROMISE PROGRAM.
HB548 HD1
RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OF THE SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOL CAMPUS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA.
HB549 HD3 SD1
RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
HB579
RELATING TO LIQUOR.
HB611
RELATING TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTION.
HB618
RELATING TO HAZARD PAY BONUS.
HB619 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB620 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB621 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB623
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB624 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
HB625 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB626 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB629 HD1
RELATING TO THERAPY SERVICES.
HB635
RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.
HB636 HD2
RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT.
HB637 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB638
RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.
HB639 HD1
RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
HB701 HD3 SD2
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB702 HD1
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
HB704
RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.
HB728
PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
HB729 HD2
RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB730 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB731 HD1
RELATING TO MINORS.
HB748
RELATING TO WASTE OR DISPOSAL FACILITIES.
HB749 HD1
RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
HB752
RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FEES.
HB755 HD2
RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB756 HD2
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB757 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB760 HD1
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB786 HD1
RELATING TO DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING.
HB787 HD1
RELATING TO DECARBONIZATION.
HB789
RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
HB807 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB809
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
HB810 HD1
RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION.
HB812 HD1
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
HB814
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB853
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB854
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OF COMMITTED PERSONS.
HB861 HD1
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
HB863 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB864 HD2
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB865
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB894
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.
HB918 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO LABELING.
HB962 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB976 HD2
RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL.
HB977 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO ENERGY FINANCING.
HB1197
RELATING TO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY.
HB1228
RELATING TO SOLID WASTE.
HB1229
RELATING TO FOSTER CARE.
HB1230
RELATING TO UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.
HB1235
RELATING TO A WEALTH ASSET TAX.
HB1244
RELATING TO LABOR STANDARDS AT HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.
HB1279
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1342
RELATING TO OFFENDER REENTRY PROGRAMS.
HB1343 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1346 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1474
RELATING TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDABILITY ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM.
HB1475
RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE THIRTY-SEVENTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
HB1489
RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.
HB1499 HD2
RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
HB1500 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.