Richelle Thomson Sworn in as Maui First Deputy Corporation Counsel
Maui’s Richelle Thomson was sworn in on Thursday as First Deputy Corporation Counsel. She succeeds Edward Kushi, who retired recently after 21 years of service.
“I thank Ed Kushi for his many years of service to our County and wish Richelle Thomson much continued success in her new position,” said Maui Mayor Michael Victorino. “Richelle has nearly a decade of experience in advising and representing Maui County, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity.”
Corporation Counsel Moana Lutey said, “Richelle has large shoes to fill with Ed’s retirement and has done an amazing job. Our department, and county, are fortunate to have such an intelligent, kind and dedicated attorney on our team.”
Thomson has been a deputy corporation counsel since 2011 in the department’s counseling and drafting division, which advises the administration, departments and boards and commissions. Her primary assignments have been the Department of Environmental Management, the Board of Variances and Appeals, and various planning commissions, in addition to procurement matters and environmental law.
Thomson is a graduate of Seabury Hall in Olinda, Maui, and earned her bachelor’s and law degree, with honors, from the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa.