PHOTOS: Maui Homecoming for Newly Appointed Lt. Gov. Tsutsui

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.

By Wendy Osher

Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui of Maui arrived at Kahului Airport this morning to a surprise homecoming welcome from family and friends.

The group of about 30 individuals offered congratulations and well wishes for Tsutsui’s new role as the second in command in the state of Hawaiʻi.

Tsutsui was named to the post on Thursday, filling the vacancy left by the departure of Brian Schatz, who was selected to fill the US Senate vacancy created by the passing of US Sen. Daniel Inouye.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga

The series of events is what brought Lt. Gov. Tsutsui home to Maui today, as he carried out his first official public speaking engagement offering a moment of reflection at the Maui Memorial Service for the late Sen. Inouye.

Prior to his appointment as lt. governor, Tsutsui served as the 12th Senate president of Hawaii. He was elected to the Senate in 2002 to represent Hawaii’s 4th senatorial district, and served in leadership positions that included the vice chair of Ways and Means and majority caucus leader.

Tsutsui graduated from Maui High School in 1989 and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Hawaii in 1994. He and his wife, Lyndelle Lee Tsutsui, reside on Maui with their three daughters, Mikayla, Kaylee and Kenna.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui is greeted by his mother Pamela Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, with wife Lyndelle Lee Tsutsui, and their three daughters, Mikayla, Kaylee and Kenna. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui with his wife Lyndelle Lee Tsutsui. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.

Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Maui homecoming. Courtesy photo Leighton Hiranaga.