Big Islander Named Senate Majority Leader

Following the retirement of former Senator Leader J. Kalani English on May 1, 2021, the Hawaiʻi State Senate on Wednesday announced the appointment of Senator Dru Kanuha (District 3 – Kona and Kaʻū) as the new Senate Majority Leader.

Senator Kanuha served as the Majority Caucus Leader since being elected to the Senate in 2018. He also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Housing, Education and Ways and Means.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, he served six years as a member of the Hawaiʻi Island County Council, including two years as Council Chair.

In addition to his new role as the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Kanuha will maintain the responsibilities that he previously held as Caucus Leader.

“Senator Kanuha is an experienced legislator who has served as an integral part of our Senate leadership team since being elected to our chamber in 2018,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau). “I am confident that as Majority Leader, he will help shape our priorities and guide our caucus as we begin to prepare for the next legislative session.”

The Senate also announced that Senator Bennette Misalucha (District 16 – Pearl City, Momilani, Pearlridge, ‘Aiea, Royal Summit, ‘Aiea Heights, Newtown, Waimalu, Hālawa, Pearl Harbor) has been appointed to replace Senator English as a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Leadership is as follows:

LEADERSHIP

President:                                            Senator Ronald D. Kouchi

Vice President:                                    Senator Michelle N. Kidani

Majority Leader:                                  Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha

Majority Policy Leader:                       Senator Les Ihara, Jr.

Majority Floor Leader:                         Senator Jarrett Keohokalole

Majority Whip:                                    Senator Lorraine Inouye

Assistant Majority Whip:                      Senator Brian Taniguchi

Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran

                                                            Senator Clarence Nishihara

Minority Leader/Floor Leader:             Senator Kurt Fevella