 My name is Cheryl Matsuoka, the executive director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Mahalo for joining me here on Restaurants of Hawaii on the ThinkTech platform. And today we have a great group of people joining me and it's all around our upcoming Hawaii Restaurant Association legislative meet and greet. So first of all, I'd like to have my guests introduce themselves. First I'd like to introduce our government relations lead, Mr. Victor Lim. Victor, welcome. Hello everybody and happy new year. Name is Victor Lim and I've been serving as the legislative lead for the Restaurants Association for the past 10, 15 years. So anything to do with whether it's state level, federal level and local level I'm the go-to guy I guess. So welcome. Victor's the man. Now I'd also like to introduce Tambra Garrick. Tambra is also the board of directors secretary. Tambra, could you please introduce yourself? Yes, hello, HaSherl. Thank you so much for having me today. As Cheryl mentioned, I'm the secretary for the Hawaii Restaurant Association board of directors. I also serve on the board for the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Lahainatown Action Committee. In my day job, I'm the chief marketing officer for Maui Gold Pineapple. Yes, and Vic Tambra's been so helpful and instrumental on everything going on over there Lahainat. Thank you so much Tambra for all that you do. I'd like to next introduce Mike Palmer. Hey Mike. Hello HaSherl, thank you for having me today. Happy new year everybody. Mike Palmer, managing a partner of Ho'okipa Partners. We also operate the Kukiu Avenue Food Hall and International Marketplace. Happy to be here. Thank you Mike. Mike also sits on the board of directors. He is a director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association board of directors. Audrey, can you please introduce yourself? Hi, I'm Audrey Okaneku. I'm with Hawaii Gas. I've been with the company for a while. However, in the government affairs area, this is my second year. So I'm kind of a newbie. I'm part of the sustainability government and community relations area. And just happy to be here. Thank you so much. And Hawaii Gas is the gold sponsor for our legislative meeting greet. So we really want to thank Hawaii Gas and Audrey for being our gold sponsor for the event. You know, that sponsorship helps us offset all the expenses that incurred having an event like this. So Victor, let me start with you. What is the legislative meeting greet? Well, legislative meet and greet is an opportunity for the business community, you know, our federal restaurant association members, business partners to also get a chance to, in a social gathering, talk to the elected officials that will be coming in a non-structured venue. You know, many times it can be intimidating, testifying at a hearing and in a very, very formal setting at the state legislature. And so many times people want, do not have the time, people get nervous. A lot of the issues that you want to talk doesn't come out properly because you're kind of like pressured and intimidated in a very super formal environment. So in a legislative meet and greet, you get a chance to meet your elected officials. And at the same token, you know, chit chat and talk like how you would normally talk. And, you know, so it provides a tremendous venue for you to get to know them so that if and when you get a chance to talk about a specific business related topic, you don't feel intimidated and you feel very relaxed and you can have a very give and take dialogue. Thank you, Victor. And Tamber, you've attended many of these. So for you, what is a legislative meet and greet and why do you attend? Because Tamber is also registered to attend. Yes, this is a great event that I'm always happy to fly over from Maui to attend. I think it's just really important. It's a great networking opportunity. It's put on by the Hawaii Restaurant Association so you can guarantee the food is gonna be good. But that's not the only reason to attend, of course. It's just a great opportunity as Victor said to meet with our legislators in an informal way right after the kickoff of the session. And, you know, you can talk about things that are personal to you, to your business and see where they're headed and what they're gonna be working on and where there might be some alignment. Yes, yes. And our legislative meet and greet will be held at the Central Pacific Bank Tie Pools right there on King Street and Alakaya Monday, January 29th at five o'clock and tickets are already on sale. So please, if you are interested, it's on our website at hawaiirestaurant.org. Last year, Victor, how many of our government officials attended? Last year, I think we have between 15 and 20 different legislators that showed up. And so it was one of the greater participation event because they are very busy because the session would have just started. But the fact that we have many of the leadership operators that joined us and make the time to come and say hello to our members, it was a wonderful event. And like that said, the food is always great. That's right, we are the Hawaii Restaurant Association. So Audrey, what do you hope to gain and learn from networking with our government officials at the legislative meet and greet? Well, I'm hoping to get to know some of these officials which would, like they said, make it easier to communicate with them socially or in person versus just by email as well as just enjoy the event. It's a great event. I went to it last year and like everyone said, it's the Restaurant Association. So of course, the food is naturally great. Yes, and this question is for Victor. Victor, the price of the ticket is $25. Why is there a ticket price? Well, we have to have a ticket price because for people to attend, especially our elected officials, it's very, very important that the Ethics Commission, campaign finance people, they are always looking to make sure that there's no hanky-panky going on. And so it got to make it so that they got to have to pay to attend. It's not a freebie and it cannot be a freebie. So that's part of the reason. Even though we have sponsors and things like that, our fee is minimal. You'll be surprised the quality of the food that you're gonna have. And then you also have a lot of nice beverages to hydrate yourself along the way. Thank you, Victor, you're correct. Everybody asks why there's a ticket price. And I said because we have to, right, Victor? It's part of, like you said, the requirement because last year, as Victor said, 15 to 20 government officials will be there. So Mike, what have you heard from our restaurant owners and other business owners that is the number one concern that you'll be talking about to our government officials when you attend the legislative meet and greet? Well, in addition to enjoying all the great food and beverage, we'll definitely use it as a great time to network. And like Victor alluded to, very personal one-on-one discussions in a non-threatening environment. And it's very laid back, which is nice for a lot of people that don't wanna be in a conference room with people walking around enjoying food and drinking. But as far as restaurant owners, I think, you know, we've talked a lot about staffing being probably the number one issue facing restaurants. I think that is still an issue, but it's also now costs. Costs of running a restaurant are getting hit from every angle possible from costs that's sold. Labor minimum wage just was increased to $14 that had tremendous impact across the board with all restaurants in the state. And restaurants have to plan and adjust for that. You know, we can just keep raising our prices, but, you know, that affects everybody and it doesn't always solve the problem. So I think, you know, one thing I would like to talk with them about, I'm sure other restaurateurs is costs, you know, and all the costs that keep getting put on restaurants, whether it's in forms of taxation or additional fees, medical coverage, everything, it's all important things, but I think the other great thing about the legislative social is they're putting a face with a business. A lot of times you just see a business name like McDonald's. You don't see Victor's, you know, beautiful face on that, you know, golden arches. But at the legislative social, they get to meet Victor and see what a great person he is. And I think that's one of the most important things is putting faces with brands that are representing Hawaii. And we're real people, we have families, we have all the same challenges of other residents, yet we're trying to provide a service to the community and our tourists. And there are a lot of challenges, you know, tons of restaurants are going out of business because of rising costs. And we don't want that to continue. And unless something is done and our legislators are looking out for a best interest, then that's gonna continue to happen. I just came back from San Francisco this weekend and I was shocked how many restaurants are closed permanently. And we know very well that's happened in Hawaii too. And like I said, it's gonna continue to happen indefinitely unless, you know, people understand where we're coming from and that we're a huge employer in the state and we just need to be listened to and hopefully changes made to help us. Thank you, Mike. So, Victor, the same question. What have you heard from our restaurant owners and other business owners that is the number one concern? Well, you know, they're concerned about overall the costs of impacting the small businesses as of January 1. You know, I mean, we all know that there is a minimum wage that went into effect January 1. However, people were concerned about the rise in medical insurance, the rise in property and liability insurance that they face, the ongoing commodity costs increases that they face even though you keep hearing that our inflation is down but inflation has not gone away. It's still a three to 5% increase over what it was increased a year ago. So, I mean, so the cost of doing business continue to increases for many of the small businesses. So they are very challenged with the fact that if more mandates come across from the legislator, it's gonna put them in a bind in a big way. Exactly, Victor. That's exactly what I'm hearing too. So, Tambra, do you have any, have you heard anything from other restaurant owners or business owners that is their number one concern? Well, I think, I mean, our number one concern is supporting those impacted in Maui, in the fires in Lahaina and Kula. We know that there were well over 2000 folks that were employed through the restaurant industry in Lahaina alone that we have, you know, since running reports. And so, I think continuing to keep that top of mind and how we can support small businesses as they seek to rebuild. The last time I was on Think Tech, I talked about the entrepreneurial spirit being alive and well here in Lahaina. And it truly is as we see restaurant owners, I just recently saw Penny Pasta has a new food truck and he's getting ready to reopen to the public. It's just absolutely incredible. And so, the small business owners, restaurant tours, of course costs, but, you know, how we can support in rebuilding and keeping people employed and keeping people on Maui through supportive housing and employment is gonna be a huge topic this year at the legislative session. I totally agree, totally agree. So, now we've built so many relationships with all of our policy makers over the years, Hawaii Restaurant Association. You know, many times they'll reach out to us for, you know, what's going on in the community. And so, is there any suggestions to someone who's attending the legislative meet and greet for the first time? For me, it's being a lot of business cards because you'd be surprised how many of them ask for the business cards so that they can contact you in the future. Tambor, you've built so many relationships with our policy makers over the years. Any suggestions to someone who's attending the legislative meet and greet for the first time? I think the simplest thing to keep in mind is that they are regular people just like you and I, okay? Don't be intimidated by them that just because they are elected official, it doesn't matter whether they're the governor or House of Representatives or state senator. They are just like you and I. And believe it or not, they really treasure the ability to talk to their constituents because they need to hear what's happening because many times, you know, they only hear from one side of the issue. And so they don't quite hear the business side of the issue. So you got to provide them the both sides of any particular issue so that they can, by the time when they have to make a decision, they can make a more intelligent decision. And hopefully they will have a minimal impact on how we do business and how we employ people. Thank you, Victor. So Tambor, any suggestions to someone who's attending the legislative meet and greet for the first time? I think, well, for Maui, we're super excited to welcome Representative Tyson Biaki and then Troy Hashimoto in his new role as the senator. So I'm just excited to welcome them in their roles and mahalo them for the work that they're going to be doing. It's gonna be a really difficult year and I know that they are gonna be supporting Maui and the state as a whole. So I think just coming to the event with an open mind and a willingness to share your personal stories and to just offer to collaborate and offer to share your insights. And like Victor said, have a good time, interact and not feel intimidated in any way and just introduce yourself. It's a great networking opportunity. Exactly, that's exactly what I was gonna say. Bring your business cards, introduce yourself because many times, they also, they don't know who you are. So if you introduce yourself, hi, I'm Tambra. I'm Maui Pineapple and give them your card. They feel so touched because now, it's like anything else, right? Shaking hands and putting a face with the name. So that's so critical. Mike Palmer, you've attended so many of these events. So tell us if there's someone attending the legislative meet in Greek for the first time, what kind of advice do you have for them? Well, your advice of bringing business cards is great. Definitely come stock with those. And like Victor and Tambra both said, don't be intimidated. They're just like you and me and they're very down to earth, most of them. And it's great to get to know them on a personal level. It's a really great networking event. I didn't know what to expect the first time I went and it was really neat. And I look forward to going again this year because there's always some of the old faces but then there's also the new ones that are learning the ropes themselves and getting to know our business community and restaurant community on a personal level, I think is very important if we wanna get anything done on our end, having those personal relationships is extremely important. But it is a great event. I highly recommend it to anybody. The $25 fee is ridiculously low for the quality of the food there. So yeah, I think it's a great event. Thank you, thank you. And we do have a room capacity. So I encourage everyone to register early because there is a limit that we can have with people there. Now, Audrey, you have been to so many of these events. If there's somebody that wants to attend for the first time, what would you recommend to them? I think like you said, bring your business card and then just be ready to walk up to these government officials and introduce yourself and start talking story. And if you're not sure what you should talk about, just talk about the event. Isn't this a great event? Isn't the food wonderful or something like that? Then you can start a conversation. Thank you. Thank you, Audrey. So Tamara, many times people tell me, oh, I'll just provide my testimony at hearings versus attend the legislative meet and greet. And Tamara, I tell them, but even if you provide your testimony, it's good for them to put a face with the business. And when you do submit your testimony, then they can relate because they've already met you. Do you have any suggestions when people say, I'll just submit testimony? Well, first of all, I'm thrilled to hear that you're hearing people saying that they're submitting testimony because that's incredible. And we need everyone to submit testimony written and in-person on things that maybe impact your business, your home, your community. It's very important. And I hear time and again, how important submitting testimony is. So I don't wanna discourage anyone from doing that. So please continue to do that. And if you need help or support on how to submit testimony, please reach out to the Way Restaurant Association and we can help train your staff or you yourself as the business owner on how to submit testimony. But what this event does offer is that sort of initial meet and greet. That's why it's called a meet and greet. You can hear from the legislator what maybe their top priorities are, what their office and staff are working on. If there are any bills that they're seeking to propose, you can talk to them about what committees they're sitting on and or chairing this session and how you can support them in what they're working on. So I think it's a way to kind of make that initial connection. And then after that, please submit testimony on things that impact the industry or you yourself personally. Thanks, Cheryl. Thank you so much, Tamara. So Victor, I've been hearing so much of, I guess, conversations that are going on because the upcoming legislative session starts, right? Very shortly. So... January 17th. That's correct. So what can we expect? Do you have any crystal ball or any insight of what we can expect in the upcoming legislative session, Victor? I think definitely, I think they're gonna be preoccupied primarily with, in a big way, Lahaina and Maui as a whole because the devastation that Lahaina face, I mean, it's just catastrophic. I mean, that nobody would have imagined. So it's gonna take quite a few years for Maui, Lahaina, especially to come back. And so I think, and everybody, I talked to have that as a number one goal, you know? And of course, we got to do the rest of the stuff, the basic stuff that we normally do. Definitely, Lahaina and Maui is number one priority. Thank you, Victor. Thank you. Now everyone, you know, I'm going to, I'm gonna get my five minute warning and I wanna give everyone one last opportunity to share before we close the show. May I please start off with you, Victor? Is there any last remarks that you would like to make before we close the show? Like I said, when you see a elected official, whether it's in your restaurant or on the street at a shopping at a supermarket, whatever it is, it's perfectly okay to go up and say hello and introduce yourself because they are elected officials, okay? They are technically supposed to serve you and our community at large. So I mean, normally, you know, I've never had a problem where somebody say, oh no, I'm too busy right now to talk to you. They love to talk, otherwise they will not be running for office. So go and engage them and start up a conversation. You'll be surprised, you know, they are in many ways just like you and I, you know, with the same challenges that we face every day, so. And Victor, you and I hear it from our legislative, from our government officials often, that they wanna hear from the restaurants, they wanna hear, right, Victor? You know, they wanna hear from the small mom and pops, the business owners like Mike Palmer, they wanna hear from them. That's correct. Yeah, do you hear that all the time when they say, you know, we hear from the same people over and over, can we hear from others in other districts, especially if that representative and that Senator is in your district, reach out because they want to hear from you and hear how you can help. You know, the other side of it, Victor, is also that we are a resource to them. So whenever I do meet a government official and I give them my card, I let them know that we're a resource to them. So if they have any questions or they need any data or information, please reach out to us, right? So you can always, everyone, you know, have them contact me here at the Hawaii Restaurant Association. So, Tambra, before we close the show, any closing remarks? Well, thank you, Cheryl. Thanks for having me on today. I'm excited to attend the legislative meet and greet. And really my final thoughts are being in public office is not easy. And, you know, there are opposing views on things and it's a very, very difficult job. And so I just want to mahalo every legislator, every county council person, everyone who works in public office, thank you. You have my utmost respect and for all of, you know, for myself and everyone here in Lahaina, just mahalo to everyone across the state that is supporting the Maui community. I'm so grateful and I know it's a very difficult job. So I just want to say thank you now for what's going to become a difficult year or so. Thank you. You're so right, Tambra. I was just speaking to people who have been right through with us through the pandemic, which I thought was terrible, right? And then this Maui wildfires, you know, it's just amazing and they're just, you know, the resiliency of our community, right? And we appreciate our government officials and all that they do to keep our government going. All right, Mike Palmer, is there any last comments that you have? Please. Yes. I mean, there's power in numbers. And in our industry, I think we've even been told by elected officials that sometimes we're too silent and they don't hear from us. And this week we will get to Greece as we know. So again, this event is a great way to get out there and rub elbows, share concerns, make connections, and even educate them on things that we face. There's things like the tax credit, many of them, don't understand how it works. So a lot of times our conversations with them are educating them on the challenges we face. And sometimes it's very enlightening when they don't, you know, they're not restaurant operators. They're not always business owners either. So I think it's a great way for us to collaborate with them. It's not bunny heads, it's collaborating to, you know, move forward and be successful for everybody. You are so right. Recently I was sharing that, you know, our medical costs have gone up, unemployment tax has gone up, minimum wage, everything, including like you said, cost of business applies, everything has gone up. So yes, thank you, Mike. Thank you so much. You're so correct. Audrey, before we close the show, please, any final remarks? I believe this legislative meet and greet is a great way to get started and get to know these government officials, you know, in a social atmosphere. So you don't have that intimidation. So, you know, if you're not signed up yet, you should come. It's really a great event. Thank you. And thank you to everyone who joined me here on this show to let our industry know that the legislative meet and greet is put on so that everyone in our community and the restaurant food service industry has an opportunity to meet all of our government officials who are setting our policies. So again, it's strengthened unity in numbers and we look forward to seeing everybody at our legislative meet and greet coming up on January, Monday, January 29th at 5 p.m. at the Central Pacific Bank tide pools. And in closing, the Hawaii Restaurant Association is the organization unifying, representing and supporting the Hawaii restaurant and food service industry. We'll see you all again. Thank you so much.