HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate is saddened to announce the passing of its Communications Director, Richard Rapoza. He served in this position since December 2018; and also previously served in this role from 2007-2011.
Richard was a dedicated public servant and an experienced communications strategist who also worked for Kamehameha Schools (1991-2004), former U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (2011-2014), Hawaiʻi Pacific University (2014-2016) and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (2017-2018).
“He was a trusted and valued member of the Senate team,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi. “His immense contributions for the people of Hawaiʻi were truly appreciated and he will be missed.”
“Richard’s passing is a huge loss for us here in the Senate and he will be sorely missed,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “He was an effective communicator and helped the Senate to clearly articulate our ideas and objectives to the people of Hawaiʻi. Our condolences to his family.”
Born and raised in Honolulu, Richard is a graduate of Pearl City High School and received a B.A. in English from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 1981.