A West Side community leader is helping Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey prepare for the next Hawaii Legislative Session.

With serious revenue shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the next session opening on Jan. 20, 2021, will be a tricky one.

Former West Side County Councilwoman Elle Cochran is helping as a volunteer liaison for our community and Rep. McKelvey.

She is utilizing her expertise, resources and contacts to reach out to residents to get their concerns onto McKelvey’s House District 10 agenda for the upcoming session.

Presently, McKelvey sits on the following committees: Government Reform, Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, and Pandemic & Disaster Preparedness.

So far, West Side residents have voiced concerns about the following subjects:

1. Unemployment issues;

2. Tourism and COVID numbers rising;

3. Hospital overcrowding;

4. Sea level rise;

5. Housing;

6. Food security.

Any and all state issues and concerns may be sent to Cochran via (808) 281-7709 or cochranelle00@gmail.com.

Help ensure that West Maui’s concerns are front and center at the Legislature during the very critical upcoming session.