Christopher Kalani Cushman Lee (born January 28, 1981) is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate. He was the youngest member and only millennial serving in the Hawaii State Legislature when elected in November, 2008. He currently serves as Majority Whip and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and commissions.
Lee is a supporter of addressing climate change and has authored laws making Hawaii the first state to mandate 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, the first state to commit to economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2045, and the first state requiring all public schools and universities to upgrade and become net-zero facilities by 2035. He is an advocate for equal rights, serving as spokesperson for the campaign to pass the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act in 2013, and authoring two laws protecting transgender individuals.
Lee also successfully helped lead the campaign to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument into the world's largest marine protected area, and successfully led the opposition to defeat a $4.3 billion takeover of Hawaii's electric utilities by Florida-based Nextera Energy.
Early life
Lee was born January 28, 1981, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated in 1999 from Iolani School. Lee graduated with a BA in political science from Oregon State University. Before getting involved in politics he worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, and at the Hawaii State Capitol.
Stroke
At 30 years old, Lee suffered a stroke while speaking at a community meeting. He spent four days in the hospital and over the succeeding months made a full recovery. Lee credits the stroke with "changing everything" for him and causing him to realize his time was short. So he "began standing up to tackle even the most difficult issues, and taking on the political powers that be."
State legislature
Elections
In 2008, when Democratic State Representative Tommy Waters retired and left the District 51 seat in the House of Representatives open, Lee won the three-way September 20, 2008, Democratic primary against Ikaika Anderson and Shaun Christensen with 2,292 votes (54.0%), and won the November 4, 2008, general election with 5,885 votes (61.9%) against Republican nominee Quentin Kawananakoa.
In 2010, Lee was unopposed for the September 18, 2010, Democratic primary, winning with 4,102 votes, and won the November 2, 2010, general election with 5,626 votes (70.9%) against Republican nominee Maka Wolfgramm.
In 2012, Lee was unopposed for the August 11, 2012, Democratic primary, winning with 5,120 votes, and won the November 6, 2012, general election with 8,550 votes (77.8%) against Republican nominee Henry Vincent.
Political career and positions
Progressive policy leader
Lee is frequently cited as a progressive policy leader for his work breaking new ground on difficult issues. The Sunrise Movement recognized Lee as likely "the most accomplished climate change legislator in the country." The Progressive Campaign Change Committee included Lee on their political Power List for his "long list of accomplishments" and "helping to build the power of the progressive community." The Honolulu Star-Advertiser noted that "Lee has been effective in shepherding legislation on energy and advancing a range of progressive goals" These include passing the nation's first legislation committing a state to ensuring basic financial security for all families, the first law requiring utilities to sell 100 percent renewable energy, the first law committing a state to carbon neutrality, the first tax breaks for organic farming, the first laws requiring all public schools and universities to become net-zero facilities, and co-authoring the first law banning the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos, and the first law banning toxic chemicals in sunscreens. He was also the first elected official to raise the national alarm about widespread harm to vulnerable children and adults resulting from predatory gambling mechanisms in video games. Lee is a supporter of transgender rights.
Winning battles against large corporations and industry influence
Lee has also received attention for successfully winning several high-profile political battles against multi-billion dollar corporations and industries.