Hawaiʻi State Legislature officially opens for 2026 session

Cameron Macedonio

Wed, January 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM HST

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Both chambers of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature kicked off their legislative duties on Jan. 21, marking the beginning of a year sure to be filled to the brim with bills, debates and investigations.

Prior to the official beginning of the session, lawmakers had desks decorated with flora and briefly socialized on the floor.

Once President of the Senate Ronald Kouchi officially began the session, senators took their seats at their respective desks. Once seated, the lawmakers engaged in their first official roll call of the 2026 Legislative Session.

Members of the public were welcome to sit in on the opening day meeting, with the legislature seeing a packed house of citizens eager to get a glimpse of the first moments of the legislative year.

Alongside members of the public, influential figures in the islands sat in the audience. Hawaii Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono joined Gov. Josh Green, First Lady Jaime Green, as well as all of the counties’ mayors: Rick Blangiardi, Richard Bissen, Derek Kawakami and Kimo Alameda.

The first major order of business was the swearing in of newly appointed lawmakers.

In the Senate, Rachele Lamosao was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy of state Sen. Henry Aquino, who resigned last year.

Lamosao was appointed to the Senate in December 2025 and served as a state representative prior to her appointment.

In the House, Joe Gedeon was sworn in representing District 18, which includes Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley and Portlock. He was appointed to fill the seat of late state Rep. Gene Ward, who passed away in April 2025.

Daisy Hartsfield was sworn in to represent District 36, which includes Waipahu and Village Park. She replaces the vacancy created by Rep. Rachele Lamosa,o who was appointed to the Senate seat for District 19.

State lawmakers say this session will be shaped as much by Washington, D.C. as by what happens here at home. With possible federal cuts to healthcare, food assistance and social services, lawmakers are warning that the budget could face real pressure in the months ahead.

Sen. Chris Lee, left, applauds alongside Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and Sen. Mike Gabbard following Sen. Rachele Lamosao’s swearing in.