House Rep. Cindy Evans, a Democrat who represents North Kona, North Kohala and South Kohala, has been promoted to House Majority Leader.
Previously, she had served as the House Majority Floor Leader.
The top positions in the House are Speaker, Vice Speaker, Majority Leader, and Majority Floor Leader.
House Speaker Scott K. Saiki announced the full leadership team Thursday. According to a prepared statement, the move the first time since statehood that three of the top four leadership positions will be filled by women and seven of the total 11 leadership positions will be filled by lawmakers in their early 40s or younger.
Representatives from all three neighbor island counties comprise nearly half of the leadership team. Rep. Mark M. Nakashima, D-Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo, was named one of the five House Majority Whips.
“As we look to build and reform the Hawaii State House of Representatives, it is important to ensure that women and the next generation of leaders are given the opportunity to lead under my tenure as Speaker. We have a real diversity of perspective and life experience in this leadership team that will position us well to lead the state on the many critical issues facing us today,” said Saiki.
The new House leadership includes:
· Vice Speaker – Rep. Della Au Belatti (District 24)
· Majority Leader – Rep. Cindy Evans (District 7)
· Majority Floor Leader – Rep. Dee Morikawa (District 16)
· Majority Policy Leaders – Rep. Jarrett Keohokalole (District 48)
Rep. Kaniela Ing (District 11)
· Majority Whips – Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino (District 38)
Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson (District 31)
Rep. Chris Lee (District 51)
Rep. Mark M. Nakashima (District 1)
Rep. Justin Woodson (District 9)