Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa Dies at 74

Hanabusa was the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Former U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa, a trailblazing politician in Hawaii, has died at the age of 74 after a five-month battle with cancer. Hanabusa was the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate and spent decades advocating for her community.

Why it matters

Hanabusa's passing marks the end of an era in Hawaii politics, as she was a pioneering figure who broke barriers and served her constituents with dedication. Her death is a significant loss for the state, as she was a respected leader known for her strength, determination, and commitment to public service.

The details

Hanabusa, a lawyer who grew up in Waianae on Oahu's west side, represented the Waianae Coast and Leeward Oahu as a member of the state Senate from 1999 to 2010. She later served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she expressed disappointment in Donald Trump's presidential victory in 2016. Hanabusa later ran for governor but lost in the Democratic primary in 2018. In 2021, she was appointed to the board of Honolulu's long-delayed and over-budget rail line.

  • Hanabusa died early Friday, March 10, 2026, after a five-month battle with cancer.
  • Hanabusa served as a member of the Hawaii State Senate from 1999 to 2010.
  • Hanabusa served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she expressed disappointment in Donald Trump's presidential victory in 2016.
  • Hanabusa ran for governor in 2018 but lost in the Democratic primary.
  • In 2021, Hanabusa was appointed to the board of Honolulu's long-delayed and over-budget rail line.

The players

Colleen Hanabusa

Former U.S. Representative and the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate.

Josh Green

Governor of Hawaii who ordered the U.S. and Hawaii flags to be flown at half-staff until sunrise Monday in honor of Hanabusa.

Neil Abercrombie

Former Governor of Hawaii who appointed Brian Schatz to fill the Senate seat instead of honoring Daniel Inouye's wish for Hanabusa to succeed him.

Brian Schatz

U.S. Senator from Hawaii who was appointed by Governor Abercrombie to fill the Senate seat after Daniel Inouye's death, instead of Hanabusa.

Daniel Inouye

Former U.S. Senator from Hawaii who expressed his wish for Hanabusa to succeed him in the Senate, but this wish was not honored.

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What they’re saying

“Her legacy of leadership and public service will continue to inspire generations to come.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii (kpua.net)

“Brian was not elected. He was appointed. And I don't think the people have really had an opportunity to weigh in on who they want to represent them in the United States Senate.”

— Colleen Hanabusa (kpua.net)

“I just didn't expect the rest of the nation to vote as resoundingly as they did. It's just a statement about how they feel. And when you think about the things that he said and he stood for, it's got to give everyone cause to just pause and think about, 'What are we saying to the world, what are we saying to each other?'”

— Colleen Hanabusa (kpua.net)

The takeaway

Colleen Hanabusa's passing marks the end of an era in Hawaii politics, as she was a trailblazing figure who broke barriers and dedicated her career to serving her community. Her legacy of leadership and public service will continue to inspire generations of Hawaiians to come.