U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the newest member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation, has been named to the House Natural Resources Committee, which deals with issues such as fishing regulations, native affairs and energy production.

“I am excited to serve on such a crucial committee for our state,” Takai said in a statement Wednesday. “The Natural Resources Committee plays an important role in the preservation of our island home, and I look forward to forging real solutions for our citizens while on this committee.”

“I have long been a proponent of sustainability and ending our current dependence on fossil fuels,” Takai said. “While on this committee I want to support President Obama’s efforts to help us become greener in all aspects of our lives. This is especially important for Hawaii, where we import over $9 billion in food and energy each year.”

“Another critical component of the Natural Resources Committee’s work is jurisdiction over native affairs. I hope that I will be able to use this seat to continue my support for the Native Hawaiian community, in addition to advocating on behalf of all of our nation’s indigenous peoples,” Takai said.

The Natural Resources Committee is composed of 47 members: 26 Republicans and 21 Democrats.

Last week Takai was named to the House Armed Services Committee.

Mark Takai talks about healing the partisan divide in Congress during his successful 2014 campaign for Congress.

Nick Grube/Civil Beat