Former Hawai‘i congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa dies

Former U.S. Representative and Hawaiʻi Senate President Colleen Hanabusa died March 5.

She was 74.

According to a report from Hawai‘i News Now, the former lawmaker succumbed after a private battle with cancer.

To honor Hanabusa, Gov. Josh Green has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities immediately, until sunrise on March 9.

Born and raised in Waiʻanae, Hanabusa dedicated her life to public service and advocacy for the people of Hawaiʻi, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

A graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees before receiving her law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law. She went on to build a respected career as a labor attorney before entering public office.

Hanabusa served the people of the Waiʻanae Coast and Leeward Oʻahu as a member of the Hawaiʻi State Senate from 1999 to 2010, where she rose to become Senate Majority Leader and later the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate. She later represented Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2019.

Throughout her career, she was widely recognized as a fierce advocate for Hawaiʻi’s working families, Native Hawaiian communities and the people of the Pacific.

“Jaime and I extend our deepest aloha and sympathy to the Hanabusa ʻohana and to all who loved Colleen,” Green said. “Colleen Hanabusa dedicated her life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi — from the Waiʻanae Coast she proudly called home, to the halls of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and the United States Congress. She broke barriers as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and spent decades advocating for her community with strength, determination and heart. Her legacy of leadership and public service will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said the former congresswoman dedicated her life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi with strength, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

“From her leadership in the Hawaiʻi State Senate to her time representing Hawaiʻi in the United States Congress, she carried with her a deep love for our islands and a determination to stand up for the people she served,” Kawakami stated Friday. “She broke barriers as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi Senate and leaves behind a legacy of leadership that helped shape the future of our state.”

On behalf of Kaua‘i County, Kawakami extended his condolences to Hanabusa’s husband John, her loved ones, and all who knew and admired her.

“Congresswoman Hanabusa’s dedication to public service and her love for Hawaiʻi will be remembered for generations, and we are grateful for the many ways she contributed to the strength and resilience of our islands,” the Garden Isle mayor said.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said she was saddened to hear of the passing of her friend and former colleague in a statement on Friday.

“The first woman to lead either chamber of Hawai‘i’s state legislature, Colleen was a fierce advocate who had strong beliefs and fought for them with conviction,” Hirono stated. “I had the privilege of working with Colleen in Congress, where together we worked to continue strengthening the trust relationship between the federal government and the Native Hawaiian community. I’m grateful to have known Colleen and to have worked alongside her, and I’m sending my aloha to her husband John, her family, and all who loved her.”

After her time in Congress, Hanabusa continued her service to the state, including leadership roles with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board and ongoing work in the legal community.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke also expressed her sadness over the death of the former congresswoman.

In 1998, we entered the Legislature together — Colleen in the Senate and I in the House — and we remained close throughout our years in public service,” Luke stated. “Proud of her Waiʻanae roots, she carried the voices of her community with her throughout her career. She made history in 2007 as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and later represented our state in Washington, D.C. as a member of Congress.”

Luke went on to say that Hanabusa was unwavering in her commitment to doing what she believed was best for the people of Hawaiʻi.

“While she was known for her toughness and determination, those who knew her best also knew her as a sensitive and deeply caring person,” Luke stated. “I am grateful I was able to spend precious moments with her in her final days.”

Luke added that Hanabus loved her husband, John, and their dogs, Frannie and Pupper, dearly, and her heart goes out to them during this difficult time.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Hanabusa brought toughness, integrity, and deep aloha for Hawai‘i to everything she did.

“I was fortunate to see that firsthand when we served together in Congress,” Schatz said. “As the first woman to serve as president of the state Senate, she broke barriers and inspired a generation of local leaders. Her impact on our state, and her love for her Wai‘anae roots and for Hawai‘i, will endure. I extend my deepest aloha to her ‘ohana and to all who had the pleasure to know and work with her.”

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature leadership also mourned the passing of Hanabusa, describing her as a trailblazing leader and devoted public servant whose lifetime of service leaves a profound legacy for Hawaiʻi and its people.

“Colleen was a brilliant legislator and tireless advocate for the people of Hawaiʻi, and I was honored to call her a friend,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura shared: “Colleen has inspired many, including myself, and was always so gracious in offering advice to the next generation of leaders.”