Ronald D. Cocchi elected Senate president as 33rd Hawaii Legislature opens; members set housing, education and agriculture priorities

Senators in the 33rd Hawaii State Legislature elected Ronald D. Cocchi as president of the Senate and Michelle N. Kidani as vice president on Wednesday as the chamber convened for its opening day in ceremonial session. Lawmakers approved housekeeping measures including the appointment of Carol Taniguchi as temporary clerk, adoption of a credentials committee report and the introduction of Senate bills numbered 1 through 419 for first reading and referral to committee.

The actions establish leadership and procedural footing for the new session and framed policy priorities the majority wants to pursue. President Cocchi used his opening remarks to spotlight housing affordability, insurance costs, education and local agriculture; Senate minority leader Brenton Awa used his allotted remarks to press a contrasting agenda focused on preventing displacement of local residents and changing land ownership rules.

The session began with a contemplation offered by Reverend Ie Hironaka and musical performances by Nalani Brun and others, followed by the…