Brenton Awa

Brenton Awa is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Hawaii State Senate, representing District 23. He was first elected to the Senate in November 2022 and was re-elected in November 2024. Awa's district encompasses several areas on the island of Oahu, including Kāne‘ohe, Kahalu‘u, Lā‘ie, Kahuku, Mokulē‘ia, Schofield Barracks, and Kunia Camp. In addition to his legislative role, he serves as the Minority Leader of the Hawaii Senate as of 2024. Prior to his political career, Awa was a television news anchor and reporter, which followed his early involvement in sports and education.

Early life and career

Brenton Awa was born on February 19, 1986, in Kaʻaʻawa, a community located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. He spent his formative years in Kahalu'u, where he developed a passion for wrestling during his time at Kahuku High & Intermediate School. Awa distinguished himself as a talented athlete, leading his high school wrestling team, the Red Raiders, to their first State Wrestling Championship in 18 years during his senior year. This achievement highlighted his leadership and competitive spirit.

Following high school, Awa pursued higher education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in Speech Communication & Leadership. His college experience not only honed his communication skills but also provided him with a foundation for his future career in media and politics. In 2008, Awa returned to his high school roots as the head coach of the junior varsity wrestling team, where he successfully guided the team to an OIA Championship that season, further solidifying his connection to the community.

Legislative service

Brenton Awa entered the political arena when he was elected to the Hawaii State Senate in November 2022, succeeding a ten-year incumbent. His election marked a significant shift in representation for District 23, as he campaigned on a platform that resonated with local constituents. In November 2024, Awa was re-elected for a four-year term, continuing his legislative work. Notably, he chose to run a campaign that diverged from traditional practices by not accepting donations or actively campaigning, which distinguished him from his opponents.

During his time in the Senate, Awa has been an active participant in legislative matters, casting a notable number of votes, including a significant number of "no" votes on various bills. His voting record has drawn attention, as he was the sole "no" vote on a considerable percentage of legislation passed during his initial sessions, a trend that has been described as unprecedented in recent history.

Awa's legislative efforts have included initiatives aimed at addressing local concerns, such as preventing foreign ownership of land in Hawaii. He has expressed a commitment to ensuring that local residents are not priced out of their homes and has worked to promote policies that protect the interests of Hawaii's communities. His collaborative approach has also been evident in his efforts to address infrastructure issues, such as coordinating with the State and U.S. Army to resolve a long-standing water leak on Oahu's North Shore, which had resulted in significant water loss.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 23, Brenton Awa has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents. One of his notable initiatives has been the establishment of public food tree projects in his district. In Kahalu'u, Awa spearheaded a project that involved planting 70 ulu and mountain apple trees along the roadside, aimed at providing food for the community. This initiative was later expanded to Haleʻiwa, where he worked to restore the local coconut tree population, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable practices and community welfare.

Awa's engagement with his constituents extends beyond legislative initiatives. In May 2023, he organized a homecoming concert for Iam Tongi, a former resident of Kahuku who gained national recognition as the first Hawaiian winner of American Idol. The event attracted a large audience, showcasing Awa's ability to mobilize community support and celebrate local talent.

In addition to his community-focused initiatives, Awa has also been involved in contentious legislative debates. For instance, during a virtual meeting of the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board, he made remarks regarding a respected Hawaiian leader that sparked controversy. His comments were made in the context of discussing a bill to ban commercial aquarium fishing, which he opposed, citing concerns about its implications for other islands. Awa's stance on this issue reflects his broader approach to legislation, where he emphasizes the need for comprehensive consideration of policies that affect multiple communities across Hawaii.

Overall, Brenton Awa's legislative service is characterized by a focus on local issues, community engagement, and a distinct approach to governance that prioritizes the voices of his constituents. His background in media and sports, combined with his commitment to public service, shapes his role as a state senator and leader within the Hawaii Senate.