Oshiro Appointed Abercrombie’s Deputy Chief of Staff

By Wendy Osher

Representative Blake K. Oshiro. Photo courtesy Hawaii State Legislature.

House Majority Leader, Rep. Blake K. Oshiro, announced his departure from the House of Representatives to join the Abercrombie Administration as deputy chief of staff.

The governor must appoint a replacement for the vacancy in the State House within 60 calendar days after Oshiro’s resignation on December 7, 2011.

In his new capacity, Rep. Oshiro will assist Chief of Staff Bruce Coppa with the governor’s legislative agenda and other areas of policy.

“I sincerely want to thank the Aiea community for giving me the privilege of representing them these last 11 years,” said Rep. Oshiro. “I accepted the governor’s offer to become the deputy chief of staff because I believe in Governor Abercrombie. I believe in his vision. I believe in his passion and commitment towards moving Hawai’i forward.”

During his tenure in the House, Rep. Oshiro served the residents of Aiea, Halawa Valley, Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights, and Red Hill.

Prior to his service as House Majority Leader, Rep. Oshiro served as the House Majority Floor Leader and presided over the House during the Second Special Session of 2007 to address legislation relating to the Hawai’i Superferry.

Rep. Oshiro, 41, is a graduate of Pearl City High School, the University of Southern California, and the William S. Richardson School of Law.

“Blake’s legislative background and commitment to do what’s right will help us move our agenda forward. I am very pleased and excited to welcome him to the team,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie.

Speaker of the House, Calvin K.Y. Say congratulated Rep. Oshiro for his appointment saying, “Although Blake’s departure is a big loss to the House, his appointment to a major executive branch policy position represents a much bigger gain for the State of Hawaii.”

“Blake’s dedication, intelligence, common sense, and compassion will be great attributes to achieve the betterment of all Hawaii,” said Say.

Colleagues from the State Senate also offered their congratulations.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui said, “He is certainly a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable addition to the administration. We look forward to working with Representative Oshiro as he works with the governor and members of the administration to direct Hawaii under the ‘New Day’ plan.”

Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria also responded saying, “As my counterpart, while Representative Oshiro served as Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with him. He is thorough, diligent, but equally important, he understands the nuances of the legislature and we look forward to working with him as deputy chief of staff,” said Galuteria.

“I decided to take on this new role with different opportunities and challenges because the governor has a great team and I am excited to do my part towards making his plans, the reality of Hawaii’s future,” said Rep. Oshiro.