HONOLULU — Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Wakako Hanabusa passed away on March 5 at the age of 74, after a private battle with cancer.
Born on May 4, 1951, in Waianae, Hawaii, Hanabusa dedicated her life to advocating for the people of Hawaii, leaving an indelible mark on both state and federal politics.
She earned multiple degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, including a B.A. in economics and sociology in 1973, an M.A. in sociology in 1975, and a Juris Doctorate in 1977. This academic background prepared her for a successful career as a labor lawyer, a profession she practiced for two decades before entering public office.
Her political career began in 1998 when she was elected to the Hawaii State Senate, representing the 21st District. During her 12 years as a senator, Hanabusa quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Senate majority leader. In 2007, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as president of the State Senate.
In 2010, Hanabusa successfully ran for national office, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Hawaii’s 1st congressional district. She served two terms, from 2011 to 2015, and was a vocal advocate for Hawaii’s interests, including securing funding for critical projects like the East-West Center and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
In 2012, after the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, it was announced that Inouye had sent a letter shortly before his death to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, stating his desire that Hanabusa be appointed to the seat. Abercrombie instead appointed Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz. Hanabusa challenged Schatz in the Democratic primary for the 2014 special election, but narrowly lost.
Hanabusa returned to the House in 2016, winning a special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Rep. Mark Takai and serving until 2019. Throughout her time in Congress, she was known for her strong advocacy for working families, Native Hawaiian communities, and the broader Pacific region.
In 2017, Hanabusa ran for governor instead of seeking re-election to Congress, but lost to incumbent Gov. David Ige, a fellow Democrat, in the primary. She also ran for mayor of Honolulu in 2020.
Hanabusa remained committed to public service, taking on a significant leadership role as board chair for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), where she played a crucial part in safeguarding federal funding for a rail project. She retired from the HART board in 2025 due to health concerns. She is survived by her husband, John Souza.
Hawaii’s elected officials paid tribute to Hanabusa:
Sen. Mazie Hirono: “Colleen was a fierce advocate who had strong beliefs and fought for them with conviction.
“I had the privilege of working with Colleen in Congress, where together we worked to continue strengthening the trust relationship between the federal government and the Native Hawaiian community.
“I’m grateful to have known Colleen and to have worked alongside her, and I’m sending my aloha to her husband John, her family, and all who loved her.”
Sen. Brian Schatz: “Colleen Hanabusa brought toughness, integrity, and deep aloha for Hawai‘i to everything she did. I was fortunate to see that first-hand when we served together in Congress.”
Rep. Jill Tokuda: “As Senate president, she led with her heart and incomparable smarts. She stood by me during some of my toughest battles; as a young mother in the chamber, she never once questioned that I could both lead and nurture.
“In so many ways, she was a trailblazer and a fighter who left an indelible mark in Washington, D.C. during her time in Congress. We are all better because of her leadership and service.
“To the Hanabusa and Souza ʻohana, thank you for sharing Colleen with all of us, and may we seek to live and lead like she did.”
Rep. Ed Case: “Hawai‘i has lost one of our most talented, committed and accomplished public servants. Rep. Hanabusa achieved so much throughout multiple careers, including her almost seven years in Congress, where she was a valued and effective legislator, especially in strengthening our national defense, preserving our natural resources, advancing Native Hawaiians and protecting our civil rights.
“Hers was a life well lived for our Hawai‘i and country, for which I am grateful.”
Gov. Josh Green: “Colleen was a proud daughter of Waiʻanae who dedicated her life to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. She broke barriers as the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and represented our state in the United States Congress, always advocating fiercely for her community and working families across our islands.
“Her leadership, strength and unwavering commitment to Hawaiʻi leave a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.’
Hawaii Senate Democrats: “Known for her strength, integrity, and steadfast advocacy, she worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of her constituents on the Leeward Coast were heard and represented. She later carried that same passion and determination to Washington, D.C., where she served the people of Hawaiʻi in the United States House of Representatives.
“Senate President Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi shared, ‘Colleen was a brilliant legislator and tireless advocate for the people of Hawaiʻi, and I was honored to call her a friend.’
“Hanabusa’s legacy of service, perseverance, and principled leadership will continue to shape Hawaiʻi for generations to come. Hawaiʻi is stronger because of her dedication and her willingness to stand up for what she believed was right.”