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 administration of oaths to newly elected and re-elected senators by Chief Justice Mark Reckenwald of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The chair then handled routine organizational business, including a roll call that showed all 25 members present.

On formal actions, the Senate appointed Carol Taniguchi as temporary clerk after a nomination by Senator Stanley Chang and a motion to close nominations. The Senate accepted Special Committee Report No. 1 (credentials committee report, dated Jan. 15, 2025) and discharged the credentials committee. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz nominated Ronald D. Cocchi for president; the chamber closed nominations, voted by voice, and the president was declared elected. Later in the session, Senator Moriwaki nominated Michelle N. Kidani for vice president; nominations were closed and Kidani was declared elected. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution No. 1, electing officers for the 33rd Legislature, and approved Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1 requesting that the chief justice address the legislature in joint session.

Senate bills numbered 1 through 419 were passed on first reading by title and referred to committee after a motion by Senator Glenn Wakai and a second by Senator Kurt Fevella; the action was decided by voice vote. The session adjourned after the short organizational business; the Senate scheduled its next meeting at 11:30 a.m. the following day.

In his remarks, Senator Ronald D. Cocchi, president of the Senate, described several policy areas he said the majority would pursue. "Insurance is a big problem facing our community," he said, noting high premiums and the need to work with the federal government on solutions. He identified energy reliability for islands served by Hawaiian Electric, universal pre‑K and K–12 education initiatives, workforce development through internships and apprenticeships, and a proactive approach to land use and housing as priorities. On local agriculture and school meals he argued for purchasing more locally grown food to support farmers and student nutrition.

Senate minority leader Brenton Awa criticized what he described as economic and policy trends that have displaced local residents and priced Hawaiians out of land. "When lawmakers want to bring in out‑of‑state nurses to replace our own, we will resist," Awa said. He urged measures to limit foreign land purchases and to prioritize returning displaced residents to the islands.

The session included ceremonial elements and guest introductions (including Governor Josh Green and several current and former state leaders) before moving to the organizational votes. Chief Justice Reckenwald administered the oath of office to the newly elected and re‑elected senators. Musical performances and cultural acknowledgements punctuated the proceedings.

Votes and final outcomes recorded on opening day were taken by voice vote unless otherwise noted in the journal. No final votes on substantive legislation were taken; bills 1–419 were read by title and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration during the coming session.

The Senate adjourned after completing organizational business and will reconvene at 11:30 a.m. the next day.