Capitol Connections: Rep. Jackson Sayama on labor, workforce development

This post is part of our Capitol Connections series, where Annalisa Burgos sits down with state lawmakers to discuss their priorities for the 2026 legislative session and issues affecting their districts. Watch the full interview above and click here for more Capitol Connections.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - State Rep. Jackson Sayama, who represents St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Kaimuki, Wilhelmina Rise, and Maunalani Heights on Oahu, says he’s focused on workforce wellness and development as chair of the House Labor Committee.

Sayama said he wants to expand the Hawaii Health Care Preceptor Tax Credit to ease workforce shortages, especially on neighbor islands.

“Just because we’re not expanding the credit itself, we’re expanding who qualifies,” said Sayama. “Currently, the credit isn’t fully used, so hopefully by expanding this definition, we could fully, fully, utilize a credit without having a financial impact on the state budget.”

He also talked about the importance of paid family leave and financial literacy education.

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