Case's latest round of talk-story sessions slated to begin Jan. 29

By James Gonser
Advertiser Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i, will begin a new round of statewide "talk story" sessions this month in Leeward O'ahu, updating his constituents on issues before Congress and listening to their concerns.

Case said the federal deficit and the war in Iraq are among the issues topping the national agenda, while transportation/

traffic, affordable housing, and federal recognition of Hawaiians are issues that need to be addressed on the local level.

Cynthia Rezentes, chairwoman of the Wai'anae Neighborhood Board, said people do appreciate seeing their congressman in person.

"I think it does good for him to do this, and there are some people in the community that do attend them and put credence by it," Rezentes said. "They like the fact that he is coming out and providing that opportunity."

Case represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes rural O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands. During his first term in office, he held 80 talk-story sessions on every major island, including in the remote towns of Hana and Kalaupapa.

"These talk stories are the projection of my congressional office out into the communities I represent," Case said. "Washington (D.C.) is 5,000 miles away physically and light years away mentally. Even my downtown Honolulu state office is too far away from the communities that I represent."

Case said anywhere from four to hundreds of people attend the events, which are not scripted and allow residents to ask him about whatever is on their minds.

Reach James Gonser at 535-2431 or jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com.