Donovan Michael Dela Cruz is a Democratic member of the Hawaii State Senate, representing District 17 since 2022 . District 17 encompasses portions of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawa, and Whitmore Village. He has served as Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee since 2017, overseeing state finances and budgeting. Notable achievements include being the youngest Chair of the Honolulu City Council at age 30, restoring funding for safety net programs like MedQuest dental benefits and postpartum coverage , making the Earned Income Tax Credit refundable and permanent, and advocating for workforce pathways in IT and skilled trades to address vacancies and retain local families. He serves on boards such as the National Council of Environmental Legislators and the Leeward Community College Culinary Institute Board.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduate of Leilehua High School; BA in Journalism and Communication Studies from the University of Oregon; Master's in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Hawaii Senate in 2010 after winning the Democratic primary and general election for the open District 22 seat; prior to that, served eight years on the Honolulu City Council, including three years as Chair.