Governor Appoints Chris Todd to Fill Late Rep. Clift Tsuji’s Seat

Chris Todd

After consideration of three nominees selected by the Hawai‘i County Democratic Party, Gov. David Ige today appointed Chris Todd to the State House of Representatives, District 2. Todd will fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Clift Tsuji, who died on Nov. 15, 2016.

Todd was born and raised in Hilo, where he earned his college degree in economics and political science from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He held several positions at the Suisan Fish Market before becoming distribution manager for Hawai‘i Paper Products last year.

Todd coaches football at Hilo High School. His wife, Britney, is a teacher at Kalanianaole Middle School.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve my community. I look forward to the hard work ahead and will always keep an open door and mind,” Todd said.

The governor is required by law to make his selection from a list of nominees submitted by the Democratic Party.

House Speaker Joe Souki of Maui responded to the appointment saying, “I am happy to support the Governor’s appointment of Chris Todd to succeed Rep. Clift Tsuji in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives.  Chris has big shoes to fill, but his business and coaching experience along with being born and raised in Hilo will give him a wide knowledge of the issues and concerns of Big Island residents.”

He continued saying, “We miss Clift at the State Capitol but believe the District 2 seat will be in good hands.”