One of the great things I like to do as a legislator is meet Hawaii's talented young school children. On April 28 I got to meet and hear Aina Haina Elementary School 5th grader Jenna Bleu Forti give an oral presentation of her essay on the book "Ella Enchanted" at the annual Letters About Literature writing competition presentation held at the Hawaii State Public Library. Jenna won first place in the competition that is sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Jenna likes reading and writing and would like to be an author someday. Our office and members of the State Senate presented Jenna with a Senate Certificate of Recognition. Jenna lives in the Portlock area with her mom Heather and several siblings. Photos by Mel Ah Ching.

Jenna and other winners of the writing contest.

Presentation to Sarah Panoke from the Leeward side.