Sugimura Named Field Representative for Hirono

Yuki-Lei Sugimura. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

US Sen. Mazie Hirono today unveiled a list of 11 staff members, including Yuki Lei Sugimura who will serve as her Maui field representative.

Sugimura was born and raised on Maui and graduated from Baldwin High School.  In a press release, Hirono said Sugimura “brings a wealth of experience in both public service and in the private sector.”

In addition to being a small business owner, Sugimura has been involved with a variety of community events, serving in part as a public relations coordinator.

In addition to Sugimura’s selection, Hirono also announced the appointment of Alan Yamamoto as her state director.  Yamamoto was a former aide to the late Sen. Daniel Inouye.

“Alan is an experienced leader in our state who knows how to get results for Hawaii. Throughout his career in the public and private sectors, Alan has developed partnerships with leaders in Hawaii and Washington and those experiences will help me deliver for the state,” Hirono said.

“While my staff works directly for me — they are working first and foremost for the people of Hawaii. This strong team will help me bring Hawaii’s voice to Washington as my eyes and ears in the islands,” she said.

Others named to Hirono’s staff include Gerald Ako, Kauai field representative; Marvin Buenconsejo, press secretary/field representative; Ann Ebesuno, Hawaii Island field representative; Chanel Honda, Hawaii scheduler; Lauren Ige, staff assistant; Walt Kaneakua, assistant for military affairs; Lauren Montez-Hernandez, military liaison/field representative; Ross Wilson, Hawaii Island field representative; and Kehau Yap, constituent services manager/field representative.