Updated at 5:59 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Hanabusa chosen Senate president
Advertiser Staff
Leeward state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa was chosen the new Senate president this afternoon, replacing state Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa), who has led the chamber for the past six years.Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), is a labor attorney who has served in the Senate since 1998 and was majority leader. She is the first woman ever to lead a chamber in the state Legislature.
State Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui), was named the new chairman of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, replacing state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, McCully)
The reorganization also involved the restructuring of several committees, including the creation of a new Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee that could be among the most powerful. State Sen. Clayton Hee, D-23rd (Kane'ohe, Kahuku), was selected as the chairman.
Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai), will return as Republican leader.
Several committee jurisdictions have been restructured. The complete leadership lineup:
President — Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha)
Vice President — Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights)
Majority Leader — Sen. Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau)
Ways and Means Committee — Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui)
Judiciary and Labor Committee — Sen. Clayton Hee, D-23rd (Kane'ohe, Kahuku)
Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing Committee — Sen. Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, McCully)
Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee — Sen. Russell Kokubun, D-2nd (S. Hilo, Puna, Ka'u)
Transportation and International Affairs Committee — Sen. J. Kalani English, D-6th (E. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i)
Human Services and Public Housing Committee — Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi, Nu'uanu)
Economic Development and Taxation Committee — Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-11th (Makiki, Pawa'a)
Education Committee — Sen. Norman Sakamoto, D-15th (Waimalu, Moanalua, Salt Lake)
Health Committee — Sen. David Ige, D-16th (Pearl City, 'Aiea)
Tourism and Government Operations Committee — Sen. Clarence Nishihara, D-18th (Waipahu, Crestview, Pearl City)
Public Safety Committee — Sen. Will Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu)
Energy and Environment Committee — Sen. Ron Menor, D-17th (Mililani, Waipio)
Source: Senate Democrats
