Since 2014, Bruce Coppa has served at the helm of Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, the Aloha State’s leading government relations and lobbying firm. Long considered one of the most effective and influential leaders in government and politics, Bruce boasts decades of public and private sector experience, including as chief of staff to former Governor Neil Abercrombie and as state comptroller. Today, he harnesses his unique expertise, relationships, and understanding of Hawaii to help clients address legislative and regulatory challenges. Learn more about Bruce in the Q&A below:
Can you give us an overview of your role as president of Capitol Consultants of Hawaii?
I firmly believe our company’s long-standing success is a credit to our employees. Since our founding, we’ve earned a reputation for our exceptional lobbying and government relations services. Helping our firm uphold this high standard is a responsibility—and a privilege—I take seriously. My top priority is ensuring our team has access to the “best of the best” resources, tools, and support to serve our clients. I also spearhead and oversee our business development efforts to fuel our firm’s continued growth.
During the Abercrombie Administration, you were responsible for helping oversee the state government’s daily operations. How does this experience lend itself to your current work?
Unlike senior-level positions in other government departments, there’s no guidebook for being the governor’s chief of staff. It was the toughest job of my career, with endless challenges andlearning opportunities. The experience helped hone my professional strengths, particularly my ability to be an efficient and effective point person. Nearly every day, I had to quickly digest complex issues and determine how and who should handle them. At Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, I use this same skill to connect the dots as I help clients develop and execute strategies to meet their goals.
You previously served as executive director of Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), Hawaii’s largest union trust fund. Tell us more about this.
When PRP was established, the mission was to highlight Hawaii’s Regional Council of Carpenters and general contractors to our state’s decision-makers. We pounded the pavement to educate key stakeholders about the industry’s economic importance. Since then, PRP has steadily and significantly grown in membership and influence. I look forward to seeing how PRP continues to leverage the solid foundation the trustees and I worked hard to put in place to promote a stronger, more sustainable Hawaii.
You’re passionate about advocating for organizations across Hawaii. Why is this important to you?
Hawaii is a proud and tight-knit community. You can see this firsthand at our firm through our team members who help neighbors in need by supporting local nonprofits and organizations. I’ve been fortunate to serve on many boards, meeting, learning from, and connecting with people across Hawaii. Right now, I’m most passionate about The Institute for Human Services, which focuses on ending and preventing homelessness. This issue isn’t unique to our state but significantly impacts our islands. I’m honored to offer and leverage my personal and professional experiences to help address it.
NASL prides itself on being “America’s top lobbyists.” What sets the association and its membership apart?
G.A. “Red” Morris and the late John Radcliffe built Capitol Consultants of Hawaii into the state’s number one government relations and lobbying firm. We are proud to uphold their strong legacy today, including through NASL, the organization they helped create. NASL members have a passion for and a proven track record of delivering results with the highest ethical standards. Being an NASL member provides unmatched value in terms of professional development and creditability.
For more information about Bruce and the expert lobbying team at Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, please visit 808cch.com.