HONOLULU (KHON2) -- A former Hawaii lawmaker and democrat will have the ear of the next president.
Tulsi Gabbard is the co-chair of former and future President Donald Trump's transition team, but what does that mean for locals? The former Hawaii congresswoman revealed her thoughts in an interview that can only be seen on KHON2.
Gabbard said she has never stopped being an island girl -- even though she is currently in West Palm Beach, Florida.
''I bring Hawaii and the people of Hawaii with me in my heart, everywhere I go. And if given the opportunity to in these circumstances raise their concerns, of course, I take every advantage of that," Gabbard said.
Hawaii House Minority Floor Leader Rep. Diamond Garcia said Gabbard's influence presents the chance to finally fulfill the Hawaiian Homelands Commission Act.
"It was passed in 1920 by then Republican Congressman Prince Kuhio. It was signed into law in 1921, which set aside 208,000 acres of land for the rehabilitation of native Hawaiians," Rep. Garcia said. "President Trump is a developer. He's a builder. Let's build homes and clear the wait list and truly fulfill the vision that Prince Kuhio set 103 or 104 years ago."
There is now a direct line from Hawaii to Washington through a woman with Pacific Island heritage since Gabbard now serves as the co-chair of Trump's transition team.
"Whether it's people like Rep. Garcia or others who are advocates for Native Hawaiian issues in Hawaii, what I can say is I've seen President Trump paying special attention to some of these issues," Gabbard said.
Rep. Garcia pointed out that regardless of anyone's party tendency, it is evident that Tulsi can bring local concerns to the highest national level.
"This is our time to unite regardless of party," Rep. Garcia said. "And Hawaii is blessed because we have direct access now to the Trump White House to get things done for Hawaii."
"The Aloha Spirit that I carried with me is something that I will, I will continue to do no matter where I am, with that heart always for service and working towards the best interests of the people of my home state of Hawaii and our country," Gabbard said.
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Gabbard would not comment on if she is vying for a cabinet or administration appointment and said she is focused on helping President Trump build a strong team that is committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States.