Joseph M. Souki

Joseph M. Souki (born 1933) is an American Democratic politician and former Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives.^[3]

Joseph Souki
8th and 10th Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives
In office January 16, 2013 – May 4, 2017
Preceded by	Calvin Say
Succeeded by	Scott Saiki
In office January 4, 1993 – January 4, 1999
Preceded by	Daniel J. Kihano
Succeeded by	Calvin Say
Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 8th district 9th (1984–1992)
In office 1982[1] – March 21, 2018[2]
Succeeded by	Troy Hashimoto
Personal details
Born	(1933-04-25) April 25, 1933 (age 91) Puʻunene, Hawaii, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Frances Borge
Children	Desiree Mark
Alma mater	Woodbury University
Website	House website

He served as a Private First Class in the United States Army from 1954–1956.^[4]

Souki replaced former Speaker Calvin Say in 2013, after organizing a coalition with both Democrats and Republicans.^[5][6][7] This was his second tenure as Speaker, as he had previously served from 1993 to 1999.^[8] He represented Hawaii's 8th District since 1982, and served as Chair of the Finance Committee and the Transportation Committee. He was the primary sponsor of 825 bills.^[9] Before becoming a politician, Souki was a real estate broker and Executive Director of the Maui Economic Opportunity.^[1]

Souki was accused by several women of multiple counts of sexual harassment including unwanted kissing, touching and sexual language by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. On March 21, 2018, Souki agreed to resign his seat, apologize and pay a $5,000 fine.^[10][11][2]

See also

• Politics of Hawaii
• Me Too movement

References

1. "Representative Joseph M. Souki". Hawaii State Legislature. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013.
2. "90 state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct since 2017". Associated Press. February 2, 2019. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020.
3. "House Speaker Joseph M. Souki". Government of Hawaii. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014.
4. "Joseph Souki, Jr.'s Biography". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020.
5. "Sources: Joe Souki New House Speaker". Honolulu Civil Beat. November 21, 2012. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014.
6. Kakesako, Gregg K. (November 21, 2012). "Souki ousts House Speaker Say with the help of Republicans". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014.
7. "Joe Souki teams up with Republicans, Will be New House Speaker". Hawai'i Free Press. November 21, 2012. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014.
8. "State Rep. Joseph Souki says he's next speaker". Hawaii News Now. Associated Press. January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
9. "Joseph M. Souki". Open States.
10. Nagaoka, Ashley (March 21, 2018). "Former Hawaii House speaker resigns over sex harassment allegations". Hawaii News Now. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018.
11. "Rep. Joe Souki resigns after admitting sexual harassment". KITV. March 21, 2018. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018.

Political offices
Preceded by Calvin Say	Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives 2013–2017	Succeeded by Scott Saiki
Preceded by Daniel J. Kihano	Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives 1993–1999	Succeeded by Calvin Say