HPU students with Leslie Blood (second from left) and Rep. Lauren Matsumoto (center) at the Hawai'i State Capitol.
It’s not every day that a business strategy class at HPU finds itself in the House chamber at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. But on March 20, students in College of Business faculty member Leslie Blood’s “Business Policy and Strategy” course traded PowerPoints for policy and politics during a memorable “Capitol Talk and Tour.”
Hosted by Hawaiʻi State Rep. Lauren Matsumoto, the visit offered an experiential, behind-the-scenes look at how state government functions, from the moment a bill is introduced to the Governor’s signature making it law.
The 'Capitol Talk and Tour,' hosted by Rep. Matsumoto, is given throughout the legislative session, providing students with an up-close perspective on government, policy, and leadership.
For HPU business students Lauren Bonomo, Anthony Lopez, and Melanie Pimienta Colmenar, the day was equal parts education and inspiration. The group toured Governor Green’s office, explored the distinctive architecture of the Capitol’s open-air rotunda (the only Capitol in the U.S. with open-air architecture!), and stepped into the thick of the action at a live House of Representatives session.
One of the highlights? A sit-down with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who spoke candidly with students about her ongoing initiatives and what it takes to turn policy ideas into statewide impact.
“This is one of those experiences that really brings the classroom to life,” said Blood. “It’s important that our students understand how the decisions being made at the Capitol directly affect the world they’re preparing to enter. A big mahalo to Rep. Matsumoto, Lt. Gov. Luke, and everyone we met at the Capitol. It was a wonderful experience for our students.”
Capitol Talk and Tours are generally offered throughout the legislative session, giving students a unique, up-close perspective on the intersection of government, policy, and leadership—no textbook required!
