In the last week of the recently completed legislative session, Hawaii senators picked Sen. Ron Kouchi as Senate president, replacing Sen. Donna Mercado Kim in a rare mid-session leadership change.

While he may not be widely recognized outside the State Capitol, the lawmaker from Kauai is known to his colleagues as a good listener who has been advocating for economic development since he was appointed to the Kauai County Council in his 20s. He spent the past session crafting the budget for capital improvement projects statewide as vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

Reporters Nathan Eagle and Anita Hofschneider joined Pod Squad host Chad Blair to discuss concerns over the appointment and how the leadership change could signal a more pro-development bent within the state Senate.

Hit the play button to hear the discussion or subscribe to the Civil Beat Pod Squad on iTunes or Stitcher. Mahalo for listening.

The Pod Squad was produced by Civil Beat administrative assistant April Estrellon.

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