It’s not uncommon for credit union professionals to have to explain the movement when they meet lawmakers, but that’s not the case with Richard Onishi.
Currently running as a Democrat for a fourth two-year term in Hawaii's State of Representatives, Onishi is also a member of two credit unions on the Big Island, including serving on the board of directors for $92 million-asset Hawaii County Employees FCU in Hilo.
Onishi said his experiences as a longtime credit union member and as a CU board member have provided him with perspective on the “important role” credit unions play in local communities and the state’s economy.
“Many of my colleagues also are members of Hawaii credit unions in their communities and are generally aware of the benefits that credit unions provide to their constituents,” he said.
According to Onishi, the biggest issues facing credit unions in Hawaii and across the country are increased federal regulations, threats to CUs' tax-exempt status and low property tax rates. He said he believes the people in Hawaii’s state government understand the role credit unions have in their communities and would support fighting against those issues.
If he is re-elected, Onishi said he will advance credit union interests in the state house by continuing to monitor for any proposals that would “negatively affect the role or function of credit unions in Hawaii.”
Onishi’s constituents shouldn’t expect a drastically different legislative agenda, however.
“My No. 1 priority since I was first elected has always been to address the needs and concerns of the constituents in my district,” he explained. “Second, as the chair of the House of Representatives’ Tourism Committee, I focus my efforts on ensuring our largest economic driver in Hawaii is healthy, sustainable and making its contribution to the betterment of Hawaii and its people.”
