JOSEPH M. Phone: (808) 586-6100

Speaker of the House Fax: (808) 586-6101

 

STATE OF HAWAII
STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 431
415 SOUTH BERETANIA STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813

 

May 4, 2017
MEMORANDUM
TO: All House Members
FROM: Speaker Joseph M. Souki

SUBJECT: Resignation as Speaker of the House

First, I would like to thank the members of this body for their confidence in me, and for
allowing me the opportunity to lead the House of Representatives.

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. lwas humbled to lead this body, and it has been an honor to serve the people of this
state.

There were some disappointments this session such as the failure to pass the
Compassionate Aid in Dying and the immunity for our lifeguards bills. 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.

It is with much gratitude that I thank the members of the House, and especially those who
have stood with me through thick and thin. I would like to thank the people of Hawaii,
particularly the people of Maui, who I will continue to serve with the same dedication and
compassion that have always given for all these years.

I am resigning my position as Speaker of the House effective immediately.

c: Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi
Brian Takeshita, Chief Clerk