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Island Strategies: New Lobbying Firm Connects Washington and Hawaii
Table of Contents
A new lobbying firm, Island Strategies
, has launched in Washington D.C., aiming to bridge the gap between the nation’s capital and the political landscape of Hawaii. The firm brings together experienced lobbyists with deep ties to Hawaii’s democratic party and a former top Nike lobbyist, signaling a possibly powerful new force in federal advocacy.
The firm’s founding partners are Kai Pelton and Richard “rick” Tsujimura,both veterans of hawaii Democratic politics. They’ve joined forces with Scott DeGraff, who previously served as Nike’s chief lobbyist for over a decade. Island Strategies will focus on representing clients with interests in hawaii and the Pacific region.
Key Personnel and Backgrounds
Kai Pelton previously worked as a senior advisor to Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and held roles in the Obama administration. Richard Tsujimura has a long history of involvement in Hawaii state politics and campaign management. Scott DeGraff’s experience at Nike included navigating complex federal regulations and building relationships with key lawmakers.
Did You Know?
Scott DeGraff, during his tenure at Nike, was instrumental in shaping the company’s legislative strategy on issues ranging from trade to intellectual property.
Firm focus and Potential Impact
Island Strategies’ emergence reflects a growing recognition of Hawaii’s unique interests in Washington. The state faces specific challenges related to defense, tourism, environmental conservation, and Native Hawaiian issues. The firm is positioned to advocate for these interests before Congress and federal agencies.
| Key Figure | Previous Role | Current Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kai Pelton | senior Advisor to Sen. Schatz | Partner, Island Strategies |
| Richard Tsujimura | Hawaii Political Consultant | Partner, Island Strategies |
| Scott DeGraff | Chief Lobbyist, Nike | Partner, Island Strategies |
The firm’s launch comes at a time of increased scrutiny of lobbying activities and the influence of special interests in Washington. However, the founders emphasize their commitment to ethical and transparent advocacy. We are committed to representing our clients with integrity and building long-term relationships based on trust
, stated a representative for Island Strategies.
Pro Tip: Understanding the backgrounds of key lobbying figures can provide valuable insight into their potential areas of influence and advocacy strategies.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2024 (Current): Island Strategies officially launches in Washington D.C.
- Prior: Kai Pelton serves as senior advisor to Senator Brian Schatz.
- Prior: Richard Tsujimura works in Hawaii state politics.
- prior: Scott DeGraff leads Nike’s federal lobbying efforts for over ten years.
news/2024/05/08/hawaii-lobbying-firm-00155487">“The firm will focus on representing clients with interests in Hawaii and the Pacific region.”
The firm’s success will likely depend on its ability to navigate the complex political landscape of washington and effectively advocate for its clients’ interests. The combination of Hawaii-specific expertise and federal lobbying experience could prove to be a valuable asset.
What impact do you think this new firm will have on Hawaii’s portrayal in Washington?
How will the firm’s diverse backgrounds influence its lobbying strategies?
Lobbying in Hawaii and the Pacific Region: A Broader Context
Lobbying in Hawaii is unique due to the state’s island geography, diverse cultural heritage, and strong ties to the federal government.key industries like tourism, agriculture, and defense rely heavily on federal funding and regulations. The
