Josh Green

Joshua Booth Green is a former member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives, where he served from 2004 to 2008, representing the 6th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Green has had a multifaceted career as both a physician and a politician. He transitioned from the state legislature to the Hawaii Senate and later served as the lieutenant governor before being elected as the ninth governor of Hawaii in 2022. His background in medicine has significantly influenced his political initiatives, particularly in health care and public welfare.

Early life and career

Josh Green was born on February 11, 1970, in Kingston, New York. He was raised in a Jewish family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Green attended Quaker Valley High School, where he excelled academically, graduating as one of four valedictorians in 1988. During his time in high school, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving as president of the Key Club and participating in soccer and tennis.

Following high school, Green pursued higher education at Swarthmore College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology in 1992. He continued his studies at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1997. After completing his medical education, Green undertook a residency in family medicine at UPMC Shadyside, finishing in 2000. His commitment to public health led him to join the National Health Service Corps, which stationed him in Hawaii, where he began his medical practice.

In Hawaii, Green worked primarily in rural areas of the Big Island, often serving as the only physician available in these communities. His dedication to family medicine and emergency care has been a hallmark of his medical career. He continued to practice medicine while serving in the state legislature, demonstrating a commitment to both his patients and constituents. His contributions to the medical field have been recognized with awards such as the Physician of the Year from the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, which he received twice, first in 2009 and again in 2022, in recognition of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislative service

Green's political career began when he was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 2004, where he represented the 6th district, which encompasses a rural area of the western Big Island. During his tenure in the House, he focused on issues pertinent to his constituents and gained experience in legislative processes. He served one term before transitioning to the Hawaii Senate in 2008.

In the Senate, Green represented the 3rd district, which includes the southwestern portion of the Big Island. His legislative service was marked by his leadership roles, including serving as majority leader and chairing the Committee on Health and Human Services. His work in the Senate was characterized by a focus on health-related issues, reflecting his background as a physician. In 2013, he was recognized as "Hawaii Legislator of the Year," an acknowledgment of his contributions to the state.

One of Green's notable legislative achievements was his advocacy for children with autism, which culminated in the passage of legislation known as Luke's Law. This law mandated insurance coverage for autism treatment, significantly impacting families across Hawaii. Additionally, in 2018, he championed a legal safeguard to protect parents with disabilities from losing custody of their children due to their disabilities. He also played a pivotal role in raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco products and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21, making Hawaii the first state in the nation to implement such a measure.

Green chose not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2018, concluding his legislative service in that capacity. He was succeeded by Dru Kanuha, who took over as majority leader.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Green's policy focus was heavily influenced by his medical background and his commitment to public health. His work in the Hawaii State House and Senate was characterized by a strong emphasis on health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations. He advocated for legislation that addressed mental health issues, addiction, and the needs of families with children who have special health care requirements.

Representing the 6th district, Green was attuned to the unique challenges faced by rural communities on the Big Island. His experiences as a physician in these areas informed his understanding of the local health care landscape and the importance of ensuring access to medical services. His initiatives often aimed to improve health outcomes and support families, reflecting his dual roles as both a legislator and a health care provider.

Green's transition from the state legislature to the role of lieutenant governor in 2018 marked a new chapter in his political career. In this position, he continued to address issues related to health care and public welfare, particularly in the context of Hawaii's homelessness crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. His background as a physician positioned him uniquely to tackle these challenges, and he was tasked with leading efforts to improve health care responses in the state.

In summary, Josh Green's career has been marked by a commitment to public service through both medicine and politics. His legislative initiatives have had a lasting impact on health care policy in Hawaii, particularly for children and families. His experiences in the Hawaii State House and Senate laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in state government, culminating in his election as governor in 2022.