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Hawai'i State Legislature

Ka 'Aha'ōlelo Moku'āina 'O Hawai'i

Photo of Jackson D. Sayama

House District 21
St. Louis Heights, Pālolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī
Room: 443
Phone: 808-586-6900
Fax: 808-586-6910
repsayama@capitol.hawaii.gov

Rep. Sayama is a proud fourth generation Japanese-American, born and raised in St. Louis Heights. Graduating from Punahou, Rep. Sayama went to China where he attended the New York University of Shanghai. After gaining a global perspective, Rep. Sayama returned home and found that many of his family, friends, and neighbors moved to the mainland. With a hope to build a Hawaii where local families can thrive, Rep. Sayama d edicated himself to public service.

Having served on his neighborhood board and as Vice-Chairman of the Labor and Tourism Committee, Rep. Sayama understands the importance of listening to his constituents to create sound policies and take action. In his first term, Rep. Sayama spearheaded legislation to address the rampant catalytic converter thefts and introduced legislation to improve afterschool care programs. In the district, Rep. Sayama has organized a COVID vaccination event and served hundreds of residents and has continued to engage teachers and principals on school improvements.
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April 5, 2023

AFFORDABLE HOUSING



To better understand what affordable housing in Kaimukī might look like, Representative Sayama visited Hale Kālele with Vice Speaker Greggor Ilagan. We were impressed with the affordability of units, accommodations, and management of the facility. While Rep. Sayama does not intend to emulate all aspects of Hale Kālele, such as its 20 story height, he hopes to use it as a model to maximize the utility of the Kaimukī property not only for housing and Pre-K classrooms, but also for community needs like public parking.
April 5, 2023

LIFESMARTS 2023



Congratulations to the 2023 Kalani High School Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts Team for reaching the state finals where they competed against teams from Maryknoll and Waipahū High School. Sponsored by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaiʻi Credit Union League, LifeSmarts is a national competition that tests the students’ knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities.
March 8, 2022

HB 1860 (2022) Relating to Catalytic Converters

During the 2022 Legislative Session, Rep. Sayama reintroduced a bill relating to catalytic converters. This bill aimed to stop the ongoing catalytic converter thefts in the State by adding more requirements for catalytic converter sales and increase the penalty of converter theft.
Click here to see the video
January 8, 2022

COVID-19 Clinics



With the surge of the Omicron variant, Rep. Sayama partnered with Department of Health, Project Vision and other community organizations to host two COVID-19 clinics where they offered vaccinations, boosters and rapid testing. From the hard work and dilligence of the volunteers and staff, they were able to test and vaccinate hundreds of residents.
February 11, 2022

After School Care Program



Rep. Sayama visited schools within District 20 and spoke with the organizers in charge of the afterschool care programs; they discussed how COVID-19 has impacted the faculty and students, the application process parents undergo and how Rep. Sayama can better help with legislation.
February 4, 2022

Sterling Higa: Those Struggling To Get By Are Hardest Hit by Catalytic Converter Thefts

[Rep.] Sayama says he heard about catalytic converter theft from Alan Nakamura, the owner of Kaimuki Auto Repair. That conversation led Sayama to research catalytic converter theft, which he found was a problem not only in his district, but nationwide.

Last year, Sayama introduced HB 446, which sought to establish a new offense for theft of a catalytic converter. HB 446 also required businesses engaged in the sale or purchase of used motor vehicle parts to keep more detailed records and report attempted sales of undocumented parts to the police.

'It’s an incredibly disruptive crime to a working family,' says Sayama. He’s confident that a bill related to catalytic converter theft will pass this session. 'If not my bill, at least someone else’s.'

Sayama admits that his bill won’t eliminate catalytic converter theft, but it can help to eliminate the local market for catalytic converters. Local buyers act as a medium between thieves and the international buyers of precious metals, says Sayama. Increasing the friction of buying and selling decreases profits, and the added risk of criminal penalty should discourage would-be thieves.

'We’re just trying to make it a lot less attractive.'

To read the full article click here
April 5, 2021

Rep. Sayama Introduces Bill To Alleviate Catalytic Converter Thefts



Freshman Hawai'i State Rep. Jackson Sayama and several state lawmakers introduced House Bill 446 that would help alleviate the increasing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. The bill passed first reading in the House and has been assigned to committees. Catalytic converters contain precious metals that thieves steal and then sell as the price of metal skyrockets, according to police.

The bill calls for new requirements on the buyer and seller of catalytic converters and increases fines for violators. Businesses that buy used parts and metals would be required to refuse the purchase of used motor vehicle parts or accessories and report the attempted sale to police if a seller does not provide appropriate information at the time of the attempted sale.

The bill would help protect families dependent on their vehicles to go to work and take their children to school, said Sayama (D-20, St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki).

"Many families are already struggling with the pandemic and don't have an extra $1,000 to $2,000 to replace their stolen catalytic converter," Sayama said. "Just as the legislature cracked down on the theft of copper in 2013, we must place safeguards to prevent the illegal trade and theft of catalytic converters now."
2026 Committee Member of
 Measures Introduced in 2026
Measure and Title
HB69
RELATING TO A COMPENSATORY TIME CASH-OUT PILOT PROGRAM.
HB128 HD1
RELATING TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.
HB160
RELATING TO THE HAWAII EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND.
HB161 HD1
RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB163 HD1
RELATING TO REIMBURSEMENT OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.
HB164 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO INDEBTEDNESS TO THE STATE.
HB165 HD1
RELATING TO THE HAWAII LABOR RELATIONS BOARD.
HB166 HD1
RELATING TO THE DEFENSE OF STATE EMPLOYEES.
HB167
RELATING TO HAZARD PAY.
HB168
RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB169 HD1
RELATING TO MOPEDS.
HB170
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB171
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB172
RELATING TO STATE WORKERS.
HB173
RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB174
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB202 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO THE ADEQUATE RESERVE FUND.
HB203
RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
HB205 HD1
RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB213 HD1
RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
HB219
RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB220 HD1
RELATING TO MOPED INSURANCE.
HB221
RELATING TO MEDICAL SCHOOL TUITION.
HB222 HD1
RELATING TO THE WAGE AND HOUR LAW.
HB223 HD1
RELATING TO PHARMACY.
HB224 HD1
RELATING TO PROPERTY RIGHTS.
HB225 HD1
RELATING TO SQUATTING.
HB238 HD1
RELATING TO EARLY CHILD CARE.
HB246
RELATING TO STATE LICENSED CARE FACILITIES.
HB249 HD1
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB278 HD1
RELATING TO POLICING.
HB279
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
HB301
RELATING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTIVE ORDERS.
HB303 HD2 SD2
RELATING TO HEALTHCARE PRECEPTORS.
HB325 HD1
RELATING TO MEDICAL CANNABIS.
HB335
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB423 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB424 HD2
RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
HB425
RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
HB428 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
HB429 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.
HB432 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
HB433 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
HB434
RELATING TO DOULAS.
HB435 HD1
RELATING TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES.
HB436
RELATING TO ENTERPRISE ZONES.
HB437 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.
HB438 HD2
RELATING TO DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS.
HB439 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB440
RELATING TO IMMIGRATION.
HB455 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.
HB472 HD1 SD2
RELATING TO DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION.
HB473
RELATING TO VOTER REGISTRATION.
HB475
RELATING TO COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES.
HB476 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX.
HB478
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT.
HB479
RELATING TO THE TIP CREDIT.
HB480 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
HB497 HD2
RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.
HB546 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
HB549 HD3 SD1
RELATING TO AN EARLY LEARNING APPRENTICESHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
HB553 HD1
RELATING TO INSURANCE.
HB555 HD1
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.
HB557 HD2
RELATING TO TELEHEALTH.
HB581
RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
HB605
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
HB619 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB625 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB627 HD1
RELATING TO SCHOOL SAFETY.
HB656
RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES.
HB702 HD1
RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
HB704
RELATING TO FOOD SECURITY.
HB714 HD1 SD1
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
HB728
PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
HB729 HD2
RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
HB730 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB731 HD1
RELATING TO MINORS.
HB755 HD2
RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
HB756 HD2
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB757 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB760 HD1
RELATING TO TAXATION.
HB788
RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES.
HB789
RELATING TO ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
HB807 HD2 SD1
RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
HB810 HD1
RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION.
HB813 HD1
RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
HB815 HD1
RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
HB847 HD1
RELATING TO HAWAII RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACT.
HB848
RELATING TO EMPLOYER-UNION HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST FUND CONTRIBUTIONS.
HB980 HD1
RELATING TO ANIMALS.
HB1182 HD1
RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
HB1183 HD2
RELATING TO ALLOWANCE ON SERVICE RETIREMENTS.
HB1221 HD1
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
HB1343 HD1
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
HB1388 HD1
RELATING TO RETIRANTS.
HB1389 HD1
RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.
HB1416
RELATING TO CANNABIS.
HB1512
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1519
RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.
HB1522
RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION.
HB1537
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
HB1545
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PLANS FOR WORKERS.
HB1552
RELATING TO THE CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER.
HB1554
RELATING TO STATE WORKERS.
HB1555
RELATING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
HB1556
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB1557
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB1558
RELATING TO LABOR.
HB1573
RELATING TO HEALTH.
HB1574
RELATING TO THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.
HB1591
RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.
HB1592
RELATING TO ASSAULT.
HB1597
RELATING TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS RESEARCH.
HB1598
RELATING TO THE HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE.