Colleen Wakako Hanabusa, a pioneering American politician and dedicated public servant, passed away on March 5, 2026, 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.

Hanabusa's educational journey laid a strong foundation for her distinguished career. She earned multiple degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, including a Bachelor of Arts in economics and sociology in 1973, a Master of Arts in sociology in 1975, and a Juris Doctorate in 1977. This comprehensive 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 in the state Senate, 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 Hawaii State Senate, a testament to her leadership and political acumen.

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, where she 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.

After a brief hiatus, Hanabusa returned to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, winning a special election to fill a vacancy 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.

Even after her congressional service, Hanabusa remained committed to public service. She took on a significant leadership role as the board chair for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), where she played a crucial part in safeguarding federal funding for the rail project. She retired from the HART board in 2025 due to health concerns, shortly before her passing.

Colleen Hanabusa was widely recognized as a fierce advocate with strong convictions, yet those who knew her best also described her as a deeply caring individual. Her legacy as a trailblazer who broke barriers and dedicated her life to the betterment of Hawaii will continue to inspire future generations. She is survived by her husband, John Souza.