Pod Squad: Meet Hawaii’s New GOP State Rep

Public school teacher Val Okimoto steadily canvassed her Mililani Mauka district to win her first-ever political race.

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There are only six Republicans in the Hawaii State Legislature. Special education teacher Val Okimoto is one of them, having defeated a former Democratic lawmaker to win the House District 36 seat that represents Mililani Mauka, Mililani and Waipio Acres.

Pod Squad host Chad Blair and producer April Estrellon interviewed Okimoto in her new office at the State Capitol. No surprise: Education is a policy priority for her.

State Rep. Val Okimoto in her Capitol office. Chad Blair/Civil Beat

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