Senate Committees Undergo Reorganization

Following the naming of a new Hawai’i State Senate President in Senator Ronald Kouchi on Tuesday, the Senate announced a continuation of its recent reorganization with a new lineup of committees and committee chairs.

Three Big Island Senators are a part of the Senate shake-up. Senator Gilbert Kahele becomes the Vice Chair of the Higher Education and the Arts Committee and Chair of the Tourism Committee, Senator Lorraine Rodero Inouye assumes the role of Chair of the Transportation and Energy Committee, and Senator Josh Green becomes Majority Floor Leader.

“This new alignment is consistent with our policy of making the best use of our members’ skills and interests,” said Senator Ronald Kouchi. “We believe these assignments will make us more effective as a body moving forward.”

Below is a complete list of new Senate committee line-ups,  effective immediately:

Consumer Protection: Chair, Senator Rosalyn Baker; Vice Chair, Senator Michelle Kidani.

Economic Development and Technology: Chair, Senator Glenn Wakai; Vice Chair, Senator Sam Slom.

Education: Chair, Senator Michelee Kidani; Vice Chair, Senator Breene Hairmoto.

Hawaiian Affairs: Chair, Senator Maile Shimabukuro; Vice Chair, Senator J Kalani English.

Higher Education and the Arts: Chair, Senator Brian Taniguchi; Vice Chair, Senator Gilbert Kahele.

Housing: Chair, Senator Breene Harimoto; Vice Chair, Senator Brickwood Galuteria.

Judiciary and Labor: Chair, Senator Gil Keith-Agaran; Vice Chair, Senator Maile Shimabukuro.

Public Safety, Government Operations and Military Affairs: Chair, Senator Clarence Nishihara; Vice Chair, Senator Will Espero.

Tourism: Chair, Senator Gilbert Kahele; Vice Chair, Senator Mike Gabbard.

Transportation and Energy: Chair, Senator Lorraine Inouye; Vice Chair, Senator Mike Gabbard.

Water, Land and Agriculture: Chair, Senator Mike Gabbard; Vice Chair, Senator Clarence Nishihara.

Ways and Means: Chair, Senator Jill Tokuda; Vice Chair, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz.

In addition, Senate Leadership has assigned roles that have yet to be confirmed. Senator Laura Thielen has been assigned to the position of Chair on the Committee on Health and Environment. While, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland has been assigned to the Chair of the Committee on Human Services, and Senator Donna Mercado will serve as Vice Chair on the same committee.