Opening Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol

H3RC was proud to stand alongside advocates, community partners, and lawmakers at the Opening Day of the Hawaiʻi State Legislative Session at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Opening Day marks the start of the legislative year and serves as an important reminder that the policies debated inside the Capitol have real and lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

For the communities H3RC serves, these decisions matter deeply. Issues like HIV prevention and care, harm reduction services, housing, and access to healthcare are not abstract policy discussions, they shape whether people are able to access the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

This session, H3RC is actively supporting several advocacy priorities, including the Gender Affirming Health Care Shield Law, True Cost initiatives, and Farm to Families programs that strengthen food access for local communities. Each of these efforts reflects our broader commitment to policies that promote health equity and address the social determinants of health.

Throughout the day, our team connected with legislators and partners to ensure that the voices of our community remain present in the conversations that shape Hawaiʻi’s future. Advocacy has always been a core part of H3RC’s work, and our presence at the Capitol reflects our continued commitment to policies grounded in compassion, public health, and community care.

As the legislative session continues, H3RC will remain engaged and vigilant, working to protect access to services and ensure that the needs of our community are not overlooked.