Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi (born June 19, 1944) is an American politician and a former Democratic member of the Hawaii State Legislature. Kobayashi has held elected office in the legislature for a combined 28 years, most recently serving in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 2012 to 2024, retiring after a cerebrovascular incident.
On March 3, 2026, Kobayashi was presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his work to strengthen ties between Japan, Hawaii, and the United States, especially for his leadership in cultivating Hawaii's sister relationship with Fukuoka Prefecture, HawaiiâÂÂs first sister prefecture.
Kobayashi attended Kaimuki High School, received his bachelor's degree at University of Hawaiûi at MÃÂnoa, and earned his doctorate in political science at Michigan State University. From 1972 to 1975, Kobayashi taught as an assistant professor of government at American University.
In the legislature, Kobayashi helped enact legislation on issues including living will, "Nursing Homes Without Walls" (a community-based alternative to nursing homes), and HIV confidentiality. He also supported the establishment of Kapiûolani Community College since its initial planning in 1980.
From 1994 to 1997, Kobayashi served as deputy director for community hospitals for the Hawaii Department of Health, where he helped transition the Community Hospital Division to an independent agency. He has also worked for the American Lung Association and Pacific Gateway Center, and worked with Honolulu city councilmember Duke Bainum and state representative Karl Rhoads.