Rep. Joseph Souki announced Thursday his resignation as speaker of the state House of Representatives. He will step down effective immediately.
Rep. Joseph Souki announced Thursday his resignation as speaker of the state House of Representatives. He will step down effective immediately.
Souki explained his decision in a letter drafted to all House members.
“Five years ago I did not seek this position, but was asked to lead this body in order to bring all members’ voices to our deliberations. I hope that to some extent I was able to do that,” he wrote, adding it had been an honor to serve the state in his leadership role.
“There were some disappointments this session, such as the failure to pass the Compassionate Aid in Dying and the immunity for our lifeguards bills,” Souki continued. “With the dynamics in this legislature, we were also unable to agree with the Senate on funding to complete Honolulu’s rail system. I regret that on these issues we were not able to do the work of the people.”
The former Speaker went on to thank the people of Hawaii, and Maui in particular, indicating he intends to continue in his role as an elected representative, just not as the leader of the House, saying he would “…continue to serve with the same dedication and compassion that I have always given for all these years.”
Souki — who has represented Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu, Puuohala, Wailuku and Waikapu of Maui’s 8th District since 1982 — had served most recently as Speaker of the House since January of 2013.
His first stint as Speaker lasted from 1993 to 1999. Between 2000-2013, Souki served as Speaker Emeritus.