June 13, 2024
Hawaii rental operators went to the state Capitol to address concerns of those who operate rental businesses on the islands.
Rental operators in Hawaii took a landmark step April 11 by participating in their first State Legislative Day. From awareness to specific concerns — all were discussed with legislators at the state Capitol.
This event was an outgrowth of the combined efforts by the ARA of Hawaii Task Force and the American Rental Association (ARA) in helping event rental operators recover from the aftermath of the horrific wildfires that devastated Lahaina, Maui, and closed several event venues, according to Michelle Nelson, ECP-ST, president, MK Equipment Corp., Honolulu, who serves as president of the ARA of Hawaii Task Force.
“ARA really helped us, securing a lobbyist who worked with us and connected with legislators. We were able to move along the reopening of some venues in other parts of Maui. After all that work it was suggested we offer a State Legislative Day to meet with legislators ahead of any major issues and also to talk about the equipment rental industry,” Nelson says.
Michelle Nelson, , ECP-ST, who serves as president of the ARA of Hawaii Task Force
The Task Force’s first foray into this type of advocacy “went amazingly well,” she says. “We met with five legislators — a combination of representatives and senators. I felt like they focused on us and really heard us. It was a lot of meet-and-greet — and a lot of education. We had about 15 minutes with each of them and even had time to connect with their staff.”
The group discussed important issues with each legislator. “The Chair of Transportation didn’t know equipment rental was an industry. We educated him and discussed how rental could be included in bids for state projects. Another senator volunteered with Job Corps. We were able to share that the tight job market impacts us because people don’t know you can build careers in the rental industry. He thought rental would be great for those in the Job Corps because it is hands-on, so we talked about ways to get connected. One representative was very interested in event, so we explained how the wildfires and the pandemic hurt those on this side of the industry. We hope to follow up with a meeting with more event rental operators. One senator is very involved with redevelopment activity on the island. He has been working on an economic revitalization bill that would create a task force for small businesses. We asked how to have representation or more information. Now that he realizes equipment rental is a local industry on the islands, we may have our foot in the door there,” Nelson says.
With the initial introductions having been made, Nelson wants to keep the conversations going. “Keeping in touch with them is important. We will work to keep these relationships going and hope to have another State Legislative Day next year,” she says.
