Republicans in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives last month, ousted Rep. Beth Fukumoto (Chang) of Mililani from her role as House Minority Leader after she criticized President Donald Trump and spoke out against his treatment of women and minorities at the Women’s March in Honolulu in January.
Rep. Fukumoto has since sent a letter to her district explaining that she would like to leave the Republican Party and seek membership in the Democratic Party, but sought input and consultation from her constituents before reaching her decision.
Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui has this statement to offer in response to Rep. Fukumoto’s announcement that she is leaving the Republican Party:
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“As a fellow member of the Democratic Party, I welcome Rep.Beth Fukumoto with open arms, as I would any other individual committed to sharing the same values and philosophies that the party upholds. It’s clear that this was a decision she did not come by lightly, and that she believes this decision is not only best for her, but also in the best interest of her constituents. Going forward, I believe that Rep. Fukumoto will continue to ably serve her constituents and the State of Hawai‘i with great respect and independent thinking.”
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