Updated at 2:17 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Hanabusa expected to claim Senate presidency
Advertiser Staff
Leeward state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa is expected to be 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.Senate Democrats have called a caucus for 4:30 p.m. at the Capitol to discuss leadership and committee chairmanships. Several sources have confirmed that Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), a labor attorney who has served in the Senate since 1998 and is now Majority Leader, has the votes to claim the presidency.
State Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui), is likely to become the new chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, replacing state Sen. Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, McCully)
The reorganization will also likely involve restructuring 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), is expected to be the chairman.
Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai), will return as Republican leader.
