As a fourth-generation American of Japanese descent, with 30 years of legal experience, and 16 years serving in the Hawaii Senate and Congress, Colleen is an exceptionally qualified woman leader who will put her unique background to work for the citizens of Hawaii. Listening to her grandfathers' stories of being sent to internment camps during WWII, Colleen was inspired to end discrimination and fight for equality.

U.S. Senate – Hawaii – Special Election. The special election will determine who will serve out the remainder of late Senator Daniel Inouye’s term. One of Inouye’s last requests was that Congresswoman Hanabusa be appointed to succeed him should his health fail. However, after Inouye’s passing, Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Brian Schatz to the position. Hanabusa has since been endorsed by Inouye’s widow.

Congresswoman Hanabusa has represented Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2011.

Hanabusa has a proven bipartisan track record in the U.S. House that she will leverage in the U.S. Senate to serve Hawaii's diverse communities and bring more resources to the state.

She previously served in the Hawaii State Senate where she was the first woman Senate President.

Congresswoman Hanabusa is a labor lawyer with almost 30 years of experience, and a corporate officer in a family-run corporation. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and as a delegate to the Hawaii State Judicial Conference.