Today, the Hawaiʻi State Senate announced its new leadership and committee chairs and vice-chairs ahead of the 32nd Legislature that opens on January 18, 2023.
Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) and Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park and Royal Kunia) will remain as the chamber’s top two leaders.
“As we look to build on last year’s historic session, I am confident that our new leadership team and committee chairs will help us in our efforts to keep this momentum heading into 2023,” said Senate President Kouchi.
Leadership and chairs of the 15 standing committees are:
Leadership:
- President: Senator Ronald D. Kouchi
- Vice President: Senator Michelle N. Kidani
- Majority/Caucus Leader: Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha
- Majority Floor Leader: Senator Glenn Wakai
- Majority Assistant Floor Leader: Senator Lynn DeCoite
- Majority Policy Leader: Senator Les Ihara
- Majority Whip: Senator Lorraine Inouye
- Majority Assistant Whip: Senator Gil Keith-Agaran
- Majority Assistant Whip: Senator Chris Lee
- Majority Assistant Whip: Senator Tim Richards
Committee Chairs:
Agriculture and Environment (AEN)
- Chair: Senator Mike Gabbard
- Vice Chair: Senator Tim Richards
Commerce, Consumer Protection (CPN)
- Chair: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
- Vice Chair: Senator Carol Fukunaga
Education Chair (EDU)
- Chair: Senator Michelle Kidani
- Vice Chair: Senator Donna Mercado Kim
Energy, Economic Development and Tourism (EET)
- Chair: Senator Lynn DeCoite
- Vice Chair: Senator Glenn Wakai
Government Operations (GVO)
- Chair: Senator Angus McKelvey
- Vice Chair: Senator Mike Gabbard
Hawaiian Affairs (HWN)
- Chair: Senator Maile Shimabukuro
- Vice Chair:Senator Kurt Fevella
Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Chair: Senator Joy San Buenaventura
- Vice Chair: Senator Henry Aquino
Higher Education (HRE)
- Chair: Senator Donna Mercado Kim
- Vice Chair: Senator Michelle Kidani
Housing (HOU)
- Chair: Senator Stanley Chang
- Vice Chair: Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha
Judiciary (JDC)
- Chair: Senator Karl Rhoads
- Vice Chair: Senator Mike Gabbard
Labor and Technology (LBT)
- Chair: Senator Sharon Moriwaki
- Vice Chair: Senator Chris Lee
Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM)
- Chair: Senator Glenn Wakai
- Vice Chair: Senator Brandon Elefante
Transportation and Culture & Arts (TCA)
- Chair: Senator Chris Lee
- Vice Chair: Senator Lorraine Inouye
Water and Land (WTL)
- Chair: Senator Lorraine Inouye
- Vice Chair: Senator Brandon Elefante
Ways and Means (WAM)
- Chair: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz
- Vice Chair: Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran
Note: Committee assignments are based on the current election results and may be subject to change.