LT. GOVERNOR SYLVIA LUKE RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSWOMAN COLLEEN HANABUSA
From left: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke (then a state representative), Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi, and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa at the Hawaiʻi on the Hill Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., 2018. Photo Courtesy: Sylvia Luke.
For Immediate Release
March 6, 2026
HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke issued the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, a dedicated public servant and formidable leader who devoted her life to serving our state.
In 1998, we entered the Legislature together — Colleen in the Senate and I in the House — and we remained close throughout our years in public service. Proud of her Waiʻanae roots, she carried the voices of her community with her throughout her career. She made history in 2007 as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and later represented our state in Washington, D.C. as a member of Congress.
Colleen was unwavering in her commitment to doing what she believed was best for the people of Hawaiʻi. While she was known for her toughness and determination, those who knew her best also knew her as a sensitive and deeply caring person. I am grateful I was able to spend precious moments with her in her final days.
She loved her husband, John, and their dogs, Frannie and Pupper, dearly. My heart is with them and all of Colleen’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
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