The state Senate last week announced that it was splitting up its Committee on Tourism and Hawaiian Affairs, with Big Island Sen. Gil Kahele taking over chairmanship of the newly formed Committee on Tourism.
Maui Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran, who had previously served as vice-chair of the combined committees, will be the new committee’s vice-chair.
Sen. Maile Shimabukuro will chair the newly formed Committee on Hawaiian Affairs with Sen. Clayton Hee as vice-chair.
Sen. Brickwood Galuteria had been the chair of the combined committees.
Senate President Donna Mercado Kim said the committee change was the result of feedback and analysis during the past legislative session.
“These new assignments maximize the skills and interests of each of our members, while providing us with greater opportunity to focus on the individual subject areas,” Kim said.
The change takes effect today.
Kahele also serves as vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and as the Senate’s majority whip.
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