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
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 92) 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