2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

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UPCOMING HEARINGS

FIND YOUR SENATOR

OUR LEADERSHIP

RONALD D. KOUCHI
President of the Senate

MICHELLE N. KIDANI
Vice President of the Senate

LORRAINE INOUYE
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:

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 register at the following Zoom link: https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/8TfGo0oXTYG9nCIIzEP6ow#/registration

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.

Last month, Senator 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.

Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and Senator Michelle Kidani joined First Lady Jaime 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 DOE, DBEDT, 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.

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.

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. 🥊🏛️

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HAWAIʻI SENATE MAJORITY

Ka ʻAha Kenekoa – Ka ʻAoʻao Hapa Nui

2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

OUR LEADERSHIP

STAY CONNECTED:

2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

OUR LEADERSHIP

STAY CONNECTED:

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