Senate

Born

April 19, 1951

Education

University of Hawaii, BA Liberal Studies
Mid Pacific Institute

Political Office

State Senate 1994-present; Majority Leader 1997-2000, Majority Floor Leader 1995-96
State House 1986-1994; Majority Floor Leader 1993-94; Intergovernmental Relations and International Affairs Committee Chair, 1991-92
Chairman, Oahu Democratic Party 1990-94, 1982-84
Delegate and Vice President, State Constitutional Convention 1978

Professional

Community Development
Communications Director

Community

Kaimuki Business & Professional Association
Kaimuki Lions Club
Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA
New Kapahulu Business Association

Civic

Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative
League of Women Voters of Hawaii
Common Cause Hawaii; President's Council
Legislative Effective and State Government Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures

Awards

2008 Shining Light Award, Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans
2006 "Na Lima Kokua Ma Waena O Makua Award," Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society
Good Government Angel Award 2003-04, Hawaii Pro-Democracy Initiative
Lawmaker of the Year 2003, Small Business Hawaii
Unsung Hero Award, Hawaii's Thousand Friends 2002
2000 Civic Leadership Award, Hawaii Technology Trade Association
"Good Government Award", Common Cause Hawaii 1997 & 1993

Member of the Democratic party.

Member of the following committees:

JLCAIP - Joint Legislative Committee on Aging In Place (Co-Chair)
JLCFC - Joint Legislative Committee on Family Caregiving (Co-Chair)
HSP - Human Services and Public Housing (Vice-Chair)
CPH - Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing
ENE - Energy and Environment
HIC - Senate Special Investigative Committee (Hydrogen Investment Capital Special Fund Contract Award)