Carol Fukunaga

Carol Fukunaga is a Democratic politician representing Hawaii State Senate District 11, which encompasses Mānoa, Makiki, Punchbowl, Papakōlea, Tantalus, and the University area on Oʻahu. She returned to the State Senate in November 2022 after previously serving as a member of the Honolulu City Council from 2013 to 2022. Throughout her career spanning over 30 years in public service, Fukunaga has championed public access, economic diversification—particularly for women and Asian American and Native Hawaiian communities—and the use of technology to solve community problems.

Education

Fukunaga earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and her Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi, graduating in 1976 as a member of the law school's inaugural class.

Political Experience

Fukunaga's legislative career includes:

• State Senator
• State Representative
• Honolulu City Council Member , serving as Council Floor Leader
• Executive Officer, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
• Delegate to the State Constitutional Convention

Currently, she serves as Vice Chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and holds membership on the committees for Energy, Economic Development and Tourism; Higher Education; and Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs. She is also a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee.