Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura became House Speaker in Hawaii on Thursday, the first woman to assume leadership of the state House of Representatives since Hawaii became a state 65 years ago.

Nakamura, who is an urban planner, said U.S. Sen Brian Schatz has pointed out she also will become the first Asian woman speaker of the House in the nation. Nakamura praised the work of Asian female leaders such as the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and former Senate President Colleen Hanabusa “who lay the groundwork for this.”