APAICS Mourns the Loss of Former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa

WASHINGTON — The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) mourns the loss of former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, who represented Hawai’i’s 1st congressional district and served as a longstanding member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Throughout a distinguished career in public service, Hanabusa broke barriers and helped pave the way for future generations of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander leaders. Prior to serving in Congress from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016 to 2019, she served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate, where she became the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and the first Asian American woman to preside over a state legislative chamber in the United States.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of former Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa’s passing. She was a stalwart voice and advocate for our communities, and served as inspiration to all aspiring public servants. Our hearts and our deepest condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time,” said Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, President & CEO of APAICS.

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The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.