Veteran lawmaker Michelle Kidani announces retirement from state senate

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani has announced her retirement from the Hawaii State Senate.

Kidani’s retirement will take effect Tuesday, June 30.

She served as senator for District 18 — Mililani Town, Waipio Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, a portion of Waipahu, Village Park and Royal Kunia — for 18 years and was first elected in 2008.

In a statement released Saturday, Kidani said:

“After much reflection, and in consultation with my physician, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Hawaii State Senate.

Throughout my years in public service, my focus has always been centered on serving my constituents to the very best of my ability, and I have always believed that if the time came when I could no longer fully and faithfully meet the responsibilities of this office, it would be my responsibility to make that decision.

I am deeply grateful to the people of Senate District 18 for the trust they have placed in me over the past 18 years. Serving the communities of Mililani Town, Waipio Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portions of Waipahu, Village Park and Royal Kunia has been the greatest honor of my professional life.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues, my staff, community partners, educators, and the many individuals who have supported me throughout my career. While I am retiring from public office, my commitment to Hawaii and to the people I have had the privilege to serve will remain unchanged.”

In February, state senators rallied behind Kidani after a news article questioned her mental health and speculated she would resign.

HNN political analyst Colin Moore said the announcement isn’t a “huge surprise” as many in the legislature were aware she was having some health difficulties.

“It’s hard to say what, you know, what ultimately led to this decision, but I don’t think it was a surprise. It was well-known that there were several health concerns,” he said. “This has been discussed, but, at least previously, she was committed to serving out her full term.”

During her time in the state Senate, Kidani advocated for public education, served for 10 years as chair of the Senate Committee on Education and most recently was vice chair.

Kidani cited her most notable legislative accomplishments as measures that advance student well-being, educational access, student safety and support for local communities.

“She was involved in teacher housing, early childhood education, you know, pretty much if it was, if the legislature was managing an issue related to K-12 education, Senator Kadani was very much involved,” Moore said.

State Sen. Kurt Fevella told Hawaii News Now that “everything I know about education for my community came from her. She always had an open door for me.”

“People don’t realize how much work Michelle puts in when it comes to education, [which] she was a chair for. She put in a lot of hours and a lot of work. People don’t understand that.”

Hawaii State Teachers Association President Osa Tui Jr. said in a statement that Kidani’s “collaborative spirit and willingness to listen to our teachers’ voices have left an enduring mark on our public school system.”

“Kidani has been a fierce champion for our public schools, consistently demonstrating a profound passion for uplifting our educators and ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive. Her impactful legacy is deeply felt through critical legislative milestones aimed at improving both educator compensation and student well-being. The fruits of her labor will continue to benefit Hawaii’s keiki and educators for years to come,” Tui’s statement said in part.

Senate President Ronald Kouchi said in a statement:

“It has been an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure to serve with Michelle in the Senate. A fierce advocate for students, women, and the underrepresented, Michelle always sought to enhance their lives and to equalize their opportunities. To paraphrase James Freeman Clarke, the residents of Senate District 18 have not lost a politician, but an empathetic, intelligent, and wise stateswoman who never thought of her next election, but always thought of the next generation.”

State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz said in a statement on Kidani’s retirement that he had the privilege of having served with her for 16 years.

“Michelle was never one to shy away from a hard conversation... As a critical part of Senate leadership, she was always someone that her colleague could count on to find resolution and common ground on even the toughest issues. Never afraid to speak her mind, she would often remind her colleagues of her Kalihi roots, stating simply that she ‘was a Governor, before she was a Senator,’” Dela Cruz said.

Moore said the process to replace Kidani could be complicated. Currently, there are no clear steps on who will succeed Kidani.