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District 37 · Mililani · Waipio Gentry · Koa Ridge
Trish
La Chica
For State House
Trish La Chica is a trusted leader who prioritizes her constituents, ensures all voices are heard, and works tirelessly so that our community remains the best place to live and raise our families.
“A Vote for TLC is a Vote for Community.”
Trish La Chica · State Representative, District 37
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Trish's Story
Trish La Chica is the State Representative for District 37, proudly serving Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Waipio Gentry, and Koa Ridge. As representative, Trish has advocated for better public transportation options, successfully pushed for the regulation of e-cigarettes to protect our youth, and brought funding to improve schools and address homelessness.
Prior to joining the legislature, Trish spent over 15 years in leadership roles working for non-profit organizations, as well as state and county government in areas such as health, Medicaid, housing, and homelessness. Her passion for advocacy began as an investigative journalist in Manila, shining light on the daily struggles of Filipino families.
Read MoreLeadership & Experience
Career
- State RepresentativeDistrict 37, Hawaii House of Representatives
- Asst. Majority Floor LeaderHawaii House of Representatives
- Vice ChairCommittee on Education, Hawaii House of Representatives
- Executive DirectorOffice of Housing & Homelessness, City & County of Honolulu
- Community & Government Relations Mgr.AlohaCare
- Policy & Advocacy DirectorHawaii Public Health Institute
- Policy AnalystOffice of Governor David Ige, State of Hawaii
- Community Engagement SpecialistAsian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
- JournalistABS-CBN, Manila, Philippines
Community Involvement
- Vice ChairWest Oahu Subarea Health Planning Council (past)
- ChairDistrict 37, Democratic Party of Hawaii (past)
- Board MemberMililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board 25 (past)
- Board MemberMililani Town Association (past)
- DelegateFilipino Young Leaders Program (past)
- VolunteerOahu Homeless Point in Time Count (past)
Key Accomplishments
Trish is in the trenches at the Capitol, advocating for public policies we need and creating solutions for our community, working families, and keiki. She has united the community for neighborhood safety, restored school bus services, cleared the Kipapa gulch homeless encampment, and safeguarded our keiki from e-cigarette harms.
Priorities
Prioritizing the Safety and Well-Being of our Community: Collaborate with law enforcement to implement community policing, promote transparency, and improve relations between law enforcement and residents. Advocate for effective emergency response systems and disaster preparedness to safeguard our community. Work to address substance abuse through evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.
See All PrioritiesServing the Community
Trish is dedicated to putting her community first. Visit her official legislative website to learn more about her work and accomplishments, and to submit constituent concerns and inquiries.
Featured In
2025-07-22
Active public school bus routes “on track” to resume this fall
“It’s not easy to recruit and retain drivers,” said La Chica. “And this is happening nationwide, so we really wanted to look at what other options are there.”
State lawmakers say they are trying to give the department some tools to try and solve the problem. For example, they did pass House Bill 862 this past legislative session which extends Governor Green’s emergency proclamation that allows other vehicles, not just yellow buses, to transport students to and from school.
But that’s not possible right now because, according to La Chica, the DOE’s contract with its current bus provider doesn’t allow that. So it would have to be amended.
“I’m here urging the department and asking them to work with us, work with the Governor’s office and just help us be able to realize this law to its fullest extent,” said La Chica.
2025-05-30
Gov. Josh Green signs multiple education-focused bills
HB 862: Addressing School Bus Shortages - Multiple school bus routes were suspended this past academic year due to a nationwide bus driver shortage. This bill reverses the suspensions and allows for alternative vehicles, such as small buses, vans and more, to pick up students and bring them to school. “Hawaiʻi continues to face a school bus crisis, and we’ve heard from countless parents, families and educators about the urgent need to expand transportation options, while keeping safety front and center,” said House Committee on Education Vice Chair Trish La Chica. “This new law paves the way for our students to thrive, by expanding the department’s options to secure reliable transportation and ensuring that transportation barriers don’t stand in the way of our keiki and their opportunities to succeed.”
2025-04-30
In Last-Minute Drama, Legislature Shelves Bill To Ban Assault Weapons
..lawmakers found money in the budget for a variety of initiatives, including $6 million to increase the pay for child welfare workers, and $30 million for loan repayment for health care workers who commit to working in Hawaiʻi.
They also approved Senate Bill 1300 to significantly expand access to free school lunches.
“Because of this bill, fewer kids will sit in the classroom distracted by hunger,” said Rep. Trish La Chica. “More families, especially those who make just a little too much to qualify under outdated rules, will no longer have to worry, knowing their children will eat at school free of charge.”
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Trish and #TeamTLC are ready to work hard and fight, but we can't do it alone. Together, we can build a better future for our kids, our families, and our communities. Mahalo for your support!
Trish La Chica