“I am devastated that Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot by a man posing as a law enforcement officer.  While we grieve with the Hortman family and pray for the Hoffman family, it is our duty to unconditionally denounce and quash these heinous, unspeakable acts and to prevent the normalization of these events.”   - Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi  (Senate District 8 - Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau)    “We are heartbroken by the tragic events that unfolded this morning in Minnesota. Hawai‘i stands in solidarity in grieving the loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. We extend our deepest prayers and thoughts to their family, to Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as they heal and recover from this horrific act of violence, and to the entire Minnesota Legislature during this unimaginable time. Our hearts are with the people of Minnesota, their leaders, and all those affected. As public servants, we remain committed to upholding democracy and faithfully representing the people. At this time, the safety and security of our lawmakers, staff, and communities remain a top priority.”   - House Speaker Nadine K. Nakamura (House District 15 - Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Hanalei, Princeville, Kīlauea, Anahola, Keālia, Kapa‘a, portion of Wailua, Kawaihau)  For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

HONOLULU  – The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has successfully advanced significant legislation to address illegal fireworks. At the conclusion of the 2025 Legislative Session,   SB 222 ,   HB 1483 , HB 806 , and HB 550   passed Final Reading in both the House and the Senate.    “I’d like to thank the Senate Ways and Means and House Finance Committees for releasing the funds to decrease the movement of illegal fireworks through our State,” said Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) Chair Senator Brandon J.C. Elefante  (Senate District 16 – ʻAiea, ʻAiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City). “This session, we as the Legislature successfully collaborated with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Law Enforcement to develop stronger enforcement and stricter penalties aimed at combating illegal fireworks.”     “The passage of all this legislation marks a critical step forward in protecting our communities from the dangers posed by illegal fireworks,” said Attorney General Anne E. Lopez . “With stronger enforcement tools and clearer penalties now in place, our office is better equipped to hold offenders accountable and support county prosecutors in deterring this reckless behavior. The bills passed send a clear message: illegal fireworks have no place in our neighborhoods.”    SB 222  extends funding of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the annual reporting requirements to the Legislature from 2025 to 2030.   HB1483  creates new crimes and punishments for misusing fireworks, especially if someone gets seriously hurt or killed. It also makes fireworks-related violations part of the same system used to handle traffic tickets and similar offenses.    “This bill establishes a clear adjudication process and strengthens penalties for violations,” said Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi (House District 49 - Kāne‘ohe, Maunawili), chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce. “Enhancing enforcement is critical – not just to prevent fire damage, but also to prevent tragedies, protect lives, and mitigate the long-term repercussions illegal fireworks have on our communities. This bill also simplifies fireworks definitions, making it easier to issue citations and to prosecute violators.”    HB 806 appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct fireworks sting operations and establish an explosives and firearms laboratory.  On this bill, Representative Matayoshi stated, “It’s time we take a proactive approach to combating illegal fireworks, which remain a serious public safety threat. We must take strong action to hold offenders accountable. HB 806 gives the Department of Law Enforcement enhanced ability to strengthen enforcement of Oʻahu and deter future violations – we cannot risk another devastating tragedy.”    HB 550  allows the use of recordings made by law enforcement to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law when operating an unmanned aerial vehicle that is above public property.    “Providing more tools for law enforcement to enforce our fireworks laws was a priority this session,” said House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce Vice Chair Representative Cory M. Chun (House District 35 – Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview). “House Bill 550 was introduced to authorize law enforcement agencies to use modern drone surveillance technology while balancing privacy concerns.  It establishes clear guidelines on where drones can be used and ensures that law enforcement does not use these devices for unwarranted searches. I want to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for taking meaningful steps this session to enforce and enhance our existing fireworks laws.”    The bills now await the Governor’s signature.  For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

HONOLULU - The annual Education Week hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature returns this year, to honor exceptional individuals in education. Co-sponsored by Senate Vice President Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia) and Representative Justin H. Woodson (District 9 – Kahului, Puʻunēnē, portion of Wailuku), the event will be held at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol from March 17 to 21, 2025.    “Education Week at the State Capitol is a time to celebrate the incredible work of educators and students across our state,” said Senate Vice President Kidani, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made in strengthening our public education system and renew our commitment to making sure every student in Hawaiʻi has access to the resources they need to thrive.”    “Each year, the Legislature proudly recognizes exceptional leaders who positively impact our students' lives and demonstrate a strong commitment to quality education, leadership, and supporting student success,” stated Representative Woodson, chair of the House Committee on Education.    AWARD PRESENTATIONS DURING FLOOR SESSIONS   Awardees will be recognized daily during Floor Session in the Senate and House Chambers, respectively.  Senate Floor Session – 11:30 a.m.  House Floor Session – 12:00 p.m.    Monday, March 17:  ·                     State Teacher of the Year  ·                     Milken Teachers of the Year    Tuesday, March 18:  ·                     Senate Youth Delegates  ·                     Prudential Emerging Visionary  ·                     National Blue Ribbon Schools    Wednesday, March 19:   ·                     Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators’ Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     National Association of Elementary Schools’ Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     Hawaiʻi State Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year  ·                     Masayuki Tokioka  Excellence in School Leadership   ·                     Hawaiʻi State Counselor of the Year    Thursday, March 20:   ·                     Charter School Teacher of the Year  ·                     Complex Area Teachers of the Year    Friday, March 21:   ·                     Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Winners      CLICK HERE for the full list of awardees who will be recognized during Education Week 2025.     EDUCATION WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CAPITOL   There will also be various events open to the public during this week.  ·                     Monday, March 17: Friends of the Library Book Fair, Conference Room 224, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  ·                     Wednesday, March 19: HSTA: Shaping ED Policy Informational Booth, 4th Floor Lanai, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   ·                     Thursday, March 20: HI Public Education Student Showcase, 4th Floor Lanai, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.   For a PDF version of this news release, CLICK HERE.

The official website of the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Caucus. 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WATCH HEARINGS UPCOMING HEARINGS FIND YOUR SENATOR OUR LEADERSHIP RONALD D. KOUCHI President of the Senate LORRAINE INOUYE Majority Whip MICHELLE N. KIDANI Vice President of the Senate HENRY J.C. AQUINO Assistant Majority Whip DRU MAMO KANUHA Majority Leader TROY N. HASHIMOTO Assistant Majority Whip GLENN WAKAI Majority Floor Leader JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE Assistant Majority Whip LYNN DECOITE Assistant Majority Floor Leader CHRIS LEE Assistant Majority Whip LES IHARA, JR. Majority Policy Leader HERBERT "TIM" RICHARDS, III Assistant Majority Whip STAY CONNECTED: Load More

OUR CAUCUS Assistant Majority Whip Henry J.C. Aquino Senate District 19 Pearl City, Waipahu, Wet Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili Stanley Chang Senate District 9 Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Diamond Head, Kaimukī, Kapahulu Lynn DeCoite Assistant Majority Floor Leader Senate District 7 Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini Donovan M. Dela Cruz Senate District 17 Portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village Brandon J.C. Elefante Senate District 16 ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City Carol Fukunaga Senate District 11 Mānoa, Makiki/Punchbowl, Tantalus and Papakōlea Mike Gabbard Senate District 21 Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, portions of Fernandez Village, and ‘Ewa Troy N. Hashimoto Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 5 Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu Les Ihara, Jr. Majority Policy Leader Senate District 10 Pālolo, St. Louis Heights, Maunalani Heights, Ala Wai mauka, portions of Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Mō‘ili‘ili, McCully Lorraine R. Inouye Majority Whip Senate District 1 Hilo, Pauka‘a, Papaikou, Pepe‘ekeo Dru Mamo Kanuha Majority Leader Senate District 3 Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano Jarrett Keohokalole Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 24 Kāne‘ohe, Kailua Michelle N. Kidani Vice President Senate District 18 Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia Donna Mercado Kim Senate District 14 Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, Red Hill Ronald D. Kouchi President Senate District 8 Kaua'i, Ni'ihau Chris Lee Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 25 Kailua, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i Kai Angus L.K. McKelvey Senate District 6 West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui Sharon Y. Moriwaki Senate District 12 Waikīkī, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, McCully Karl Rhoads Senate District 13 Dowsett Highlands, Pu‘unui, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Punchbowl, Pālama, Liliha, Iwilei, Chinatown, and Downtown Herbert M. "Tim" Richards III Assistant Majority Whip Senate District 4 North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona Joy A. San Buenaventura Senate District 2 Puna Glenn Wakai Majority Floor Leader Senate District 15 Kalihi, Māpunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Āliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, and portions of ‘Aiea and Pearl City

About the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority Caucus ABOUT THE SENATE There are 25 members of the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Senators are elected to serve staggered four-year terms and are not subject to term limits. The presiding officer of the Senate is the Senate President. Other officers of the Senate include the Vice President, Majority Leader, Majority Caucus Leader, Majority Floor Leader/Whip, Majority Whip, and Assistant Majority Whip. The officers of the Senate are elected by a majority vote of the Senate members. The Hawaiʻi Senate Majority consists of 22 Democrats for the Thirty-Third Legislature, which convened on January 15th, 2025 and adjourned Sine Die on May 2nd, 2025.