Big Island senator assigned new interim chair Senate Committee

With the retirement of Sen. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (Senate District 22, KoʻOlina, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua) from the Hawaiʻi State Senate effective Friday, Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (Senate District 8, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau) announced changes to the composition of Senate Standing Committees.

Effective June 1, Sen. Herbert M. “Tim” Richards III (Senate District 4, North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona) will be the interim Chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs.

Sen. Brandon J.C. Elefante (Senate District 16, ‘Aiea, ‘Aiea Heights, Hālawa, Pearlridge, Newtown, Royal Summit, Waimalu, Waiau, Momilani, Pacific Palisades, and Pearl City) will remain as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee through a special session to confirm judicial nominees in late June.

After the special session to confirm judicial nominees ends, Elefante will move from being a member of the Senate Committee on Judiciary Committee to a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.