Senators pay tribute to Colleen Hanabusa and observe moment of silence

Senators rose on personal privilege to announce and remember the passing of former Senate president Colleen Hanabusa. Senator Kim opened the announcements, telling the chamber that Hanabusa had died early that morning and requesting that the Senate conclude the session by rising on a vote and observing a moment of silence.

Lawmakers from across the chamber paid tribute. Senator Kim recalled Hanabusa’s leadership as Senate president (2007–2010) and credited her with launching the Senate’s paperless initiative, noting steep reductions in paper use and the move to make legislative documents and bill status widely accessible online. Senator Kidani called Hanabusa a trailblazer and emphasized her longtime public service and mentorship. Senator Inouye and others recalled working with Hanabusa in earlier legislative reorganizations and highlighted her tenacity and policy work. Senator Dela Cruz and additional members shared personal anecdotes underscoring Hanabusa’s attention to detail and care for young staff and interns.

After tributes, Senator Wakai moved that the Senate conclude the session on a rising vote, observe a moment of silence in Hanabusa’s memory, and stand in recess leaving the journal open until 8 p.m., with reconvening set for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10; the motion was seconded and carried without objection. The presiding officer joined members in leading the chamber to rise and observe the moment of silence.

The remarks in the chamber recounted Hanabusa's years of service at the state and federal levels, her role in procedural reforms and committee leadership, and personal qualities colleagues said they will miss.

What’s next: the Senate stood in recess and left the journal open for receipt of standing committee reports; the chamber is scheduled to reconvene at the announced date and time.