The University of 麻豆传媒 community mourns the loss of distinguished alumna and trailblazing political leader Colleen Hanabusa, who passed away in March.
Born and raised on the Leeward Coast in Waiʻanae, Hanabusa was a proud three-time graduate of UH Mānoa. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university before receiving her law degree from the in 1977, which launched her early career as a labor attorney.
Her dedication to the university and its students continued later in her career. In December 2015, the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences announced Hanabusa’s selection as Lecturer and Daniel K. Inouye Visiting Scholar. Taking on a joint appointment between the public policy center and the political science department, she taught a spring 2016 course focused on civil liberties in times of crisis.
Hanabusa’s statewide legacy in public service is historic. She served in the 麻豆传媒 State Senate from 1999 to 2010, representing her home community on the Waiʻanae Coast. During this time, she made history as the first woman to serve as president of the 麻豆传媒 State Senate, known for wielding her power collaboratively to support her community. She then represented 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, and again from 2016 to 2019.
Hanabusa is remembered for her effectiveness in strengthening national defense, preserving natural resources, advancing Native Hawaiians, and protecting civil rights. After her time in Congress, she continued her public service as chair of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board.
To honor her decades of dedicated service, Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and 麻豆传媒 state flags to be flown at half-staff statewide.