Brenton Awa
Brenton Awa | |
|---|---|
Awa in 2023 | |
| Minority Leader of the Hawaii Senate | |
| Assumed office November 8, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Kurt Fevella |
| Member of the Hawaii Senate from the 23rd district | |
| Assumed office November 8, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Gil Riviere |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 19, 1986 Kaʻaʻawa, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Rozlynd
(m. 2010, separated) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Clarion University (BA) |
Brenton Patrick Chokei Kawika Awa (born February 19, 1986) is an American politician and former television news anchor. He is a Republican member of the Hawaii Senate since 2022 representing District 23, which includes Kāne‘ohe, Kahalu‘u thru Lā‘ie, Kahuku to Mokulē‘ia, Schofield Barracks, and Kunia Camp.
In 2022, Awa achieved a "come-from-behind win" against 10-year incumbent Gil Riviere in the race to represent Senate District 23. As of 2024, Awa serves as Minority Leader of the Hawaii Senate.
Described as a maverick, unconventional, and hybrid Hawaiian, Awa cast more than 1,000 "no" votes over his first two legislative sessions and was the sole "no" vote on 10% of all bills passed during that time, unparalleled in recent history. Awa is the only Hawaii lawmaker with a "no gift" policy.