The Hawaii House of Representatives are expected to announce Maui's Rep. Joe Souki as Speaker of the House at a press conference this morning.
Souki would replace longtime Speaker Calvin Say, who has held the top post the last 13 years.
A minimum 26 votes are needed from the 51-member House in order to secure the speakership.
Souki has crossed party lines to get the needed votes, according to a press announcement from him that says he and Minority Leader Aaron Ling Johanson "have pledged to begin work immediately."
"We are happy to have reached this agreement," Souki said in the statement. "This will allow us to focus our attention on the issues and begin preparations for the 2013 session."
Souki's return to power would mean both chambers of the Legislature would be led by Maui lawmakers.
The Hawaii Senate has already re-elected Maui Sen. Shan Tsutsui as president.
