HAWAIʻI LEGISLATORS SPREAD EASTER CHEER TO LOCAL FAMILIES

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – On Friday, members of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature came together to support local families in need through the 26th Annual Easter Basket Drive held at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Organized each year by the Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC), the event aims to collect and distribute essential items to community organizations that support vulnerable populations. 

Over the past month, House and Senate members, along with dedicated staff and volunteers, gathered donations and assembled around eighty-nine Easter baskets. Each basket was thoughtfully packed with household essentials, including toiletries, towels, period products, laundry detergent, and snacks. The completed baskets will be distributed to clients of the Domestic Violence Action Center, Institute for Human Services, the Mohala Mai Women’s Prison Project, Parents & Children Together, and the Salvation Army Hawai‘i. 

In celebration of the Easter spirit, the Legislature upheld its fun annual tradition of nominating freshmen legislators to dress as the Easter Bunny and Easter Duck. This year, Representative Matthias Kusch and Representative Mike Lee were selected by their colleagues to take on these roles. 

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Women’s Legislative Caucus, all the participants here at the Legislature, and the community organizations involved who work so hard to help women and children in need," said Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto. "These baskets include essential items to support our vulnerable communities here in Hawai‘i. This remarkable tradition has been going strong for 26 years and will continue to uplift and provide for those in need in our community for many years to come!" 

"This annual tradition, organized by the Women's Legislative Caucus, brings comfort and care to those in our community. I truly appreciate the generosity and unity shown by our colleagues in support of this important cause," expressed House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama. 

“This Easter Basket Drive which our Women’s Legislative Caucus organizes every year, is a true testament to the power of collaboration and community,” stated Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the donors who have contributed their time, resources, and kindness. These baskets are more than just gifts – they represent a commitment to making a positive impact for our families in need. We appreciate the hard work of our local nonprofits, as we work alongside them to distribute these baskets to families and individuals in our communities.” 

“It’s an honor to be a part of the Women’s Legislative Caucus in organizing the Easter Basket Drive, an event that brings our community together to make a difference,” said Senator Lynn DeCoite. “I appreciate the nonprofits we work with, and every donor who has generously contributed. Our aim is for the women and children who receive these gifts, to experience the joy of the season." 

The Women’s Legislative Caucus is a formal, bipartisan, and bicameral caucus dedicated to advancing legislation that improves the lives of women, children, and families. The 2025 WLC Co-Conveners are Senators Michelle N. Kidani (D-18, Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) and Lynn DeCoite (D-7, Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), and Representatives Linda Ichiyama (D-31, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Makalapa, Pearl Harbor) and Lauren Matsumoto (D-38, Portions of Mililani and Waipio Acres, Mililani Mauka). 

In the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, there are 23 women Representatives among the 51 members and 8 women Senators among the 25 members. 

###