Trending Now - Former US Representative Colleen Hanabusa Passes Away at 74

WHO:

Colleen Hanabusa, former U.S. Representative and first woman president of the Hawaii State Senate

Mike Formby, friend and former chief of staff

Gov. Josh Green, current Governor of Hawaii

Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator who succeeded Hanabusa

David Ige, former Governor of Hawaii

Rick Blangiardi, current Mayor of Honolulu

Kika Bukoski, chair of the board of directors for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

Anthony Aalto, member of the HART board

Jill Tokuda, U.S. Representative

Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator

WHAT:

Colleen Hanabusa died at the age of 74 after a five-month battle with cancer.

Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaii flags to be flown at half-staff until sunrise on March 9, 2026.

Hanabusa served in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2019.

She served as a state senator from 1999 to 2010 and was the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate.

Hanabusa lost the 2014 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate to Brian Schatz by 1,769 votes.

She ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018 against David Ige.

Hanabusa was appointed to the board of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation in 2021 and resigned in September 2025.

WHERE:

Hawaii, specifically Waianae Coast and Leeward Oahu

Honolulu, Hawaii

WHEN:

Hanabusa died on March 6, 2026.

Gov. Green's flag order was issued on March 7, 2026.

Hanabusa served in the state Senate from 1999 to 2010 and in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2015 and 2016 to 2019.

The 2014 Democratic primary took place in August 2014.

She ran for governor in 2018 and for mayor in 2020.

WHY:

Hanabusa was recognized for her dedication to serving the people of Hawaii and breaking barriers as a female leader in politics.

HOW:

Hanabusa was appointed to various positions and served in elected office, advocating for her community and working on significant projects like the Honolulu rail project.

Colleen Hanabusa, the first woman president of the Hawaii State Senate and a dedicated public servant, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 74 after a five-month battle with cancer. In honor of her contributions, Governor Josh Green has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunrise on March 9, 2026. Hanabusa's legacy includes her time in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2019, as well as her groundbreaking role in Hawaii politics, where she worked tirelessly for her community and advocated for significant projects like the Honolulu rail initiative.