Former USJF Trustee Hanabusa Passes Away at 74

Hanabusa-Colleen Colleen Hanabusa, a former United States-Japan Foundation Trustee, passed away on March 5 at the age of 74. She had been hospitalized, battling cancer for the past five months, according to a statement released by her family.

Hanabusa, a trailblazing Hawaiian politician, served on the USJF board from 2022 through 2025.

Hanabusa was the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaii State Senate, from 2007-2010. She then headed to Washington, D.C. to represent her state in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms, from 2011 through 2019. She also ran campaigns for the U.S. Senate, state governor, and for mayor of Honolulu.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaii flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor. "She broke barriers as the first woman to serve as President of the Hawaiʻi State Senate and spent decades advocating for her community with strength, determination, and heart. Her legacy of leadership and public service will continue to inspire," Green said in a statement.

"Colleen was a dedicated board member who provided an invaluable perspective as we worked together to reimagine the Foundation and find new ways to connect our two countries," said USJF CEO Jacob M. Schlesinger. "She was proud of her Japanese heritage, and was a frequent, charismatic presence at our U.S.-Japan Leadership Program conferences, providing inspiration to the next-generation leaders in the network."

Education, health care, finance, and civil service reforms have been areas of special concern during Hanabusa's legislative career. She most recently worked in private practice as a prominent labor lawyer.

Hanabusa was born in Honolulu and raised in Waianae, Oahu’s West Side. Her great-grandparents immigrated from Japan to work on Hawaii’s sugar plantations. Her grandparents were interned during WWII in the Honouliuli Camp on Oahu.

Hanabusa is survived by her husband, John Souza.