Senator Laura H. Thielen represents the 25th Senatorial District, which encompasses Kailua, Lanikai, Enchanted Lake, Keolu Hills, Maunawili, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i Kai, and Portlock. Senator Thielen has served in the Hawai‘i Senate since January 16, 2013 representing District 25. Senator Thielen served as chair of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2010 under Governor Linda Lingle.
Senator Thielen grew up in Kailua, beginning school at Lanikai Elementary. She has raised two children in Kailua, beginning their schooling at Aikahi Elementary. She now resides in Waimanalo, where she started a small farm business. Senator Thielen is a member of the Waimanalo Agricultural Association and Waimanalo Cooperative Market.
Before entering public office, Senator Thielen served over 25 years in the private sector, including running small businesses, non-profit organizations and in government, including managing a large government department.
Senator Thielen understands how laws and regulations affect the private sector and how they impact individual and groups of people and our resources. She also understands how government works from the inside, which means she understands how we can make it work better.