By Andrew Gomes

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A longtime state lawmaker is leaving the Legislature where he is part of the majority Democratic leadership in the Senate to join a local lobbying firm.

Sen. Henry Aquino announced his retirement Wednesday, with it becoming effective Nov. 30, and said his decision involved a desire to spend more time with his family while continuing to serve the local community.

Aquino (D, Pearl City-Waipahu-West Loch) has served 17 years in the Legislature, and is assistant majority whip in the Senate, where he also chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Technology and is vice chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

In a statement, Aquino said his decision to retire was the result of deep and thoughtful consideration after discussions with family members and close friends, and that his move will best serve the needs and interests of his district.

“It has been an honor to represent residents, neighbors, supporters, friends and family in the Hawaii State Senate,” he said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to serve with amazing colleagues, past and present, who have worked hard to address the needs of our great State — an absolute privilege to have served with you all.”

After he steps down, Aquino will join the lobbying firm Hawai‘i Public Policy Advocates LLC as vice president of community affairs.

The firm, founded by local attorneys Melissa Pavlicek and Stephen Teves, has lobbied at the Legislature on behalf of companies, trade associations, unions and nonprofit social service organizations. Clients in recent years include Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiian Airlines, HGEA, Hawai‘i Foodbank, Bishop Museum, Apple Inc., Turo, Sports Betting Alliance and the Hawaii Building Owners and Managers
Association, according to the Hawaii State Ethics
Commission.

Aquino also said he will continue serving as executive director of the Waipahu Community Association.

“These opportunities will allow me to continue to grow and serve for the betterment of our local communities,” he said.

Aquino, 48, was born in Honolulu and raised in Waipahu. The married father of three was first elected in 2008 to the state House of Representatives in a contest with five other political novices competing for a seat representing the Waipahu and Crestview communities given up by then-Rep. Alex Sonson. At the time, Aquino, who unsuccessfully ran against Sonson in 2004,
was program coordinator for the Waipahu Community Association.

In 2022, Aquino left the 51-member House and was elected to the 25-member Senate for what was then a vacant seat because of
redistricting.

“It has been a privilege to serve and I would like to thank everyone who made my 17 years in public service one I will never forget,” he said.

On Wednesday, two current House members representing areas that include Waipahu expressed appreciation for their soon-to-retire colleague.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Henry Aquino’s years of service in both the House and the Senate, and his dedication to Waipahu and the Central and West Oahu community,” Reps. Cory Chun (D, Pearl City-Waipahu-Waikele) and Rachele Lamosao (D, Waipahu) said in a joint statement. “His advocacy, devotion as a husband and father, and readiness to take on difficult challenges reflect his deep commitment to the people he represents. Through his leadership, policy work, and support for Hawaii’s community partners, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our state and our local communities.”