Hawai'i Senate Democrats

06/05/2026

A landmark new law and a conversation about what’s next for campaign finance in Hawaiʻi.

Join Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Karl Rhoads, and Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress for a virtual town hall on SB2471 / Act 11 (2026), Hawaiʻi’s response to Citizens United and one of the most significant campaign finance reforms in state history. The discussion will also include a moderated audience Q&A.

Friday, June 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. HST
Virtual via Zoom

Registration is required.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link.

06/03/2026

Senator Rachele Lamosao is proud to share that $500,000 in funding has been released for the East Kapolei Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Project, supporting the development of a master plan and environmental impact study for parcels surrounding the Keoneʻae Rail Station. 🚆

As West Oʻahu continues to grow, thoughtful planning is essential to creating vibrant, connected communities that support local families, businesses, and future housing opportunities. This investment will help guide the long-term vision for development around one of the region’s key transportation hubs and ensure future growth is both strategic and community-centered.

The East Kapolei TOD Project will help shape future development surrounding the rail station, laying the groundwork for housing, infrastructure, transportation connections, economic opportunity, and public spaces that serve residents for generations to come.

Mahalo to Governor Josh Green for releasing these funds and supporting investments that help build a stronger, more sustainable future for West Oʻahu. Together, we are creating communities where local families can live, work, and thrive.

05/27/2026

Last month, Senator Tim Richards had the incredible honor of recognizing Kahuna Nui Leimomi Moʻokini Lum in celebration of her 100th birthday — a remarkable milestone for one of Hawaiʻi’ most respected cultural leaders and public servants.

Aunty Momi, the Kahuna Nui of Moʻokini Heiau, carries an unbroken genealogical lineage tracing back to the founders of the sacred heiau in Kohala. She became the Kahuna Nui in 1977, the following year dedicated the heiau to the children of Hawaiʻi, transforming the sacred site into a living classroom where thousands of keiki have connected with and learned about their culture, history and the place they call home.

Beyond her cultural leadership, Aunty Momi was also a trailblazer in law enforcement, becoming one of Honolulu’s first policewomen in the 1950s and serving our community for more than three decades.

Her life reflects the very best of Hawaiʻi — resilience, leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to future generations. Mahalo nui Aunty Momi for your lifetime of dedication to our keiki and kuleana to our beautiful home.

05/16/2026

Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and Senator Michelle Kidani joined First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, Superintendent Keith Hayashi, fellow legislators and key partners today at Mililani High School for the Nourishing Hawaiʻi’s Future memorandum of agreement signing ceremony — an important step forward in strengthening Hawaiʻi’s food resilience and supporting the future of local agriculture.

The event included food tasting samples from the school’s breakfast and lunch menu, along with a tour highlighting how Mililani High School is helping advance the Nourishing Hawaiʻi’s Future initiative through innovative farm-to-school and community partnerships.

At the heart of this effort is a vision to build a stronger, more resilient Hawaiʻi — creating reliable markets for local farmers and food producers, increasing locally grown and locally made foods in school meals, and developing infrastructure that can also serve communities during emergencies and natural disasters.

Mahalo to all of the partners across the Hawai'i Public Schools, State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, ADC, the State Legislature, Hawaiʻi’s agricultural community, and the many organizations working together to nourish our keiki, support local farmers, and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s future.

05/13/2026

Yesterday, Senator Dela Cruz joined Governor Josh Green, state leaders, community members, and project partners for the blessing and groundbreaking of the Wahiawā Dam Improvement Project — a major investment in public safety, water infrastructure, and Hawaiʻi’s agricultural future. 🌱💧

Following the devastating Kona Low storms earlier this year and the near-overflow conditions experienced at the dam, the Legislature prioritized $58 million this session to advance critical rehabilitation and safety improvements to the Wahiawā Dam and Irrigation System.

Speaking with Hawaiʻi News Now, Senator Dela Cruz shared the broader importance of the project for North Shore communities and local agriculture. “There’s farmers from Mokulēʻia all the way to Waimea that actually depend on this irrigation system,” Senator Dela Cruz said. “What you see here today is not just the lake, it’s not just the dam here in Wahiawā, but the miles and miles of irrigation system that traverses the North Shore.”

The project will help bring the dam into compliance with modern safety standards while improving long-term water reliability for agricultural communities across Central Oʻahu and the North Shore, while also strengthening flood mitigation efforts as Hawaiʻi faces increasingly severe weather events.

05/12/2026

Last week's moving Remembrance at the Hawaii State Senate for for former Congresswoman and Senate President Colleen Hanabusa ❤️

Remembrance for former Congresswoman and Senate President Colleen Hanabusa

05/11/2026

Last Friday during Sine Die, the Hawaiʻi State Senate proudly honored the retirement of Senate Sergeant at Arms Ben Villaflor following 47 years of dedicated service at the State Capitol, making him Hawaiʻi’s longest-serving Senate Sergeant at Arms.

Ben began his service with the Senate in 1979, serving through five of Hawaiʻi’s nine governors. Before his time at the Capitol, he was a celebrated professional boxer and two-time WBA and The Ring super-featherweight world champion. Known throughout the Capitol for his calm presence, professionalism, and deep care for protecting both the institution and the people within it, Ben became a steady and familiar figure through generations of lawmakers, staff, and members of the public.

During the Senate Floor recognition, Senators shared heartfelt, funny, and memorable stories about Ben throughout the years — reflecting on the deep respect and appreciation they have for him, and how greatly he will be missed around the Capitol. From maintaining decorum on the Senate Floor to mentoring others through wellness and boxercise programs, Ben carried out his role with humility, discipline, and quiet strength.

Mahalo nui loa, Ben Villaflor, for your extraordinary service to the Hawaiʻi State Senate and the people of Hawaiʻi. We wish you a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. 🥊🏛️

05/09/2026

The 2026 Legislative Session has officially adjourned Sine Die 🏛️

Over the last few months, legislators engaged in collaborative work through committee hearings, public testimony, floor votes, conference committee negotiations, and long days of thoughtful discussion to advance legislation addressing the needs and future of Hawaiʻi.

This session marked the passage of a historic state budget that prioritized Hawaiʻi’s working families while advancing landmark legislation focused on the future of our state — from education and healthcare to public safety, economic development, technology, environmental stewardship, and protections for local communities across Hawaiʻi.

Today’s adjournment was also especially meaningful and emotional as the Senate recognized the retirement of Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, after 20 years of service in the Legislature. Senators delivered deeply moving remarks reflecting on his leadership, integrity, mentorship, and the profound impact his work has had on Hawaiʻi’s government and people throughout the years.

Mahalo nui loa to every legislator, staff member, and community member who contributed their time, voices, and dedication throughout this session. As the gavel closed on the 2026 Legislative Session, the spirit of service, collaboration, and commitment to Hawaiʻi remained at the heart of the work carried out at the State Capitol.

05/09/2026

Yesterday at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, lawmakers, family, friends, and former colleagues gathered in remembrance of former Congresswoman and Senate President Colleen Wakako Hanabusa — honoring a trailblazing leader whose impact on Hawaiʻi extended far beyond public office.

Born and raised in Waiʻanae, Hanabusa served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate from 1999 to 2010 representing the Waiʻanae district, becoming Hawaiʻi’s first and only female Senate President in 2007. She later represented Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District in the United States Congress from 2011 to 2015, returning to Congress again in 2016 following the passing of Congressman Mark Takai. A proud graduate of St. Andrew’s Schools, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and the William S. Richardson School of Law, Hanabusa was remembered not only for her extraordinary accomplishments and fearless leadership, but for the warmth, generosity, and deeply personal relationships she cultivated throughout her life.

“The entire point of life is to take chances on dreams that seem crazy to most, but feel like destiny to you, and I think that embodies the Colleen Hanabusa that I knew… unwilling to compromise and give up because she knew what she was doing was right for the people of Hawaii,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi.

Remembrances on the Senate floor were also shared by Judge Mark J. Bennett and Walder Dods, Jr., alongside an emotional performance of “Ave Maria” by Aaron Sala and a heartfelt message from Michael D. Formby. The remembrance reflected the profound respect and aloha Hanabusa inspired across Hawaiʻi and beyond — a legacy that will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

05/08/2026

Tune in to view Adjournment Sine Die online:

Order of the Dayhttps://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/orderoftheday/SOD_05-08-26_.pdf