Representative Daynette “Dee” Morikawa (District 16 – Niihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea) has been selected as a fellow in the National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) 2022 Maternal & Child Health Fellows program. She was nominated by Speaker Scott K. Saiki.

The selection process for the Maternal and Child Health Fellows program is highly competitive. It will bring together about 20 key legislators nationwide for a year-long learning opportunity. The program focuses on health policy and research related to supporting mothers before, during and after pregnancy, forming strong connections in the crucial first years of life, and addressing children’s physical and behavioral health.

Representative Morikawa said, “I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious program. Substance abuse and poverty cause many children to become fostered or live in a very insecure environment. I understand how difficult this can be. I have been providing foster care for a young girl while her mother was incarcerated. This fellowship will give me a unique opportunity to identify ways to help families in Hawaii thrive.”