New State Representative for House District 36 May Alter Local Policy Landscape

Governor Josh Green has appointed Daisy Hartsfield to fill the vacancy for State Representative of House District 36 on Oʻahu. This change, effective immediately, means businesses operating within or concerned with policies affecting District 36 should be aware of potential shifts in legislative priorities and advocacy.

The Change

Daisy Hartsfield has been appointed to serve as the State Representative for House District 36, a position vacated by former Rep. Rachele Lamosao who moved to the State Senate. The appointment is effective as of January 13, 2026. While the source material does not detail Ms. Hartsfield's specific policy platform or legislative experience, any new representative can bring fresh perspectives that may influence committee assignments, legislative proposals, and constituent advocacy on issues relevant to businesses within their district. The impact of this change will become clearer as the new legislative session convenes and committee memberships are finalized.

Who's Affected

This appointment primarily affects entities with interests in or operations within House District 36 on Oʻahu. Stakeholders should monitor developments related to this seat:

• Small Business Operators: Businesses in District 36, including retail shops, restaurants, and service providers, should be alert to any new legislative proposals that could impact operating costs, staffing regulations, permitting processes, or local economic development initiatives. A new representative may prioritize different local issues.
• Real Estate Owners: Property owners, developers, and landlords within the district should monitor for potential changes in zoning ordinances, development permits, property tax legislation, or landlord-tenant laws. Policy shifts can directly influence property values and development feasibility.
• Investors: Investors focusing on Oʻahu, particularly those with portfolios in or near District 36, should pay attention to any indications of changing regulatory environments or emerging sector focuses. Shifts in legislative support for specific industries could impact market conditions and investment opportunities.
• Entrepreneurs & Startups: Founders and early-stage companies operating in or seeking to operate in District 36 should watch for any new legislative support or barriers related to business creation, funding access, talent acquisition, or scaling in the area.
• Agriculture & Food Producers: If agricultural or food production operations are located within District 36, they should monitor for any shifts in land use policies, water rights advocacy, or local support programs that the new representative might champion.
• Healthcare Providers: Clinics, private practices, and related businesses within District 36 should be aware that a new representative might bring different priorities regarding healthcare policy, licensing, or insurance regulations.
• Tourism Operators: Hotels, tour companies, and other hospitality businesses within or serving the geographic area of District 36 should monitor for any legislative focus on tourism promotion, regulation, or infrastructure that could impact visitor numbers or the operational environment.

Second-Order Effects

The appointment of a new representative, while not a direct policy change, can initiate a cascade of indirect effects. A representative focused on specific local economic development initiatives might advocate for increased support for small businesses, potentially leading to new grant programs or streamlined permitting. Conversely, if their focus leans towards environmental or residential concerns, this could translate into stricter zoning regulations or increased development fees. These shifts can indirectly affect housing availability, labor costs, and the overall cost of doing business in the district, impacting the viability of various business models and the capacity of the local workforce.

• Increased focus on local infrastructure development within District 36 → Potentially higher construction costs and demand for skilled labor → Reduced profit margins for non-construction businesses competing for labor.
• New representative advocates for stricter environmental permit reviews for commercial developments → Longer project timelines and increased compliance costs for real estate developers → Slower growth in commercial property supply.

What to Do

Given that this is an appointment and the representative's specific legislative agenda is yet to be fully formed, the current action level is WATCH. The focus should be on information gathering and preparedness, rather than immediate intervention.

• Small Business Operators: Monitor the legislative committee assignments for Representative Hartsfield. Note any proposals or public statements regarding business regulation, taxation, or economic development specific to District 36 or broader Oʻahu issues.
• Real Estate Owners: Track Representative Hartsfield's involvement in committees related to housing, planning, and economic development. Be prepared to engage in public comment periods for relevant bills.
• Investors: Follow legislative news and official communications from the State House that may indicate shifts in policy direction or support for specific industries within or affecting District 36.
• Entrepreneurs & Startups: Stay informed about legislative priorities that could impact the startup ecosystem, such as innovation funding, tax incentives, or regulatory sandboxes.
• Agriculture & Food Producers: If agriculture is a significant component of District 36, monitor the representative's stance on land use, water resources, and agricultural support programs.
• Healthcare Providers: Observe any legislative discussions or proposals concerning healthcare policy, access, or regulation that may arise from Representative Hartsfield's office or committee work.
• Tourism Operators: Be aware of any legislative efforts to promote or regulate tourism within District 36, or any broader tourism policy changes originating from the House.

Action Details: Monitor the official Hawaii State Legislature website (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/) for Representative Hartsfield's committee assignments and upcoming legislative proposals. If specific bills or policy changes that directly impact your role emerge, reassess the need for direct advocacy or operational adjustments.