Ohigashi, Davis and Aoki Elected as Maui County Field Reps for Congressman Kahele

US Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) announced his selections for federal district field representatives who will serve as the direct contacts to constituents and support operations throughout Maui County.

Breaking from past tradition, it is the first time that each island in Maui County has a designated congressional field representative and member of the congressional staff. 

Stephanie Ohigashi will serve as the field representative to Maui residents; Gene Ross Davis will serve as the field representatives to Molokaʻi residents; and Joelle Aki Aoki will be the field representative for Lānaʻi residents. 

“It is important to me that all residents of Hawaiʻi’s 2nd congressional district have a direct contact to their federal representative in Congress to help address their needs and concerns,” said Kahele. “I am pleased to welcome Stephanie, Gene Ross, and Joelle to our team. They all have demonstrated a commitment to public service and will serve as strong advocates for the communities they represent. ”

Ohigashi is the current International and Regional Partnerships coordinator for the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. She previously served as executive assistant to then Maui Councilmember Michael P. Victorino. Born and raised in Wailuku, Ohigashi has served the Maui community as a volunteer with the Wailuku Community Association, Maui Japanese Chamber of Commerce, and the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui. Ohigashi is the former chair of the Maui Redevelopment Agency, and was recently appointed as the Hawaiʻi State representative to Sister Cities International. Ohigashi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Studies from West Oʻahu College. 

Davis has a long history of public service, including his work as acting homestead supervisor for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and as a special education teacher at Molokaʻi High School for the Department of Education. He also provided oversight of Molokaʻi Livestock operations for the Department of Agriculture. Davis has also given his time to serve the community in various capacities:Democratic precinct president, DHHL commissioner, and Cub Scout leader. He is a current member of the Kalamaula Homestead Association and the Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance.

Aoki, a Lānaʻi native, previously oversaw the Coalition for Drug Free Lanaʻi, a position she served in for more than two decades. She also served as a shared community program specialist with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, ALU LIKE, Inc. and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Native Fisheries program. Aoki was appointed as the liaison for the US Armed Forces Innovative Readiness Training Program. She previously served as commissioner for the County of Maui Planning Commission and on several boards including the Lānaʻi Community Association, Hui Waʻa O Lānaʻi Canoe Club, Lānaʻi Hinabangai Association, and Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona Ad Hoc Drug Strategy Committee.

Kahele also selected Michael M. Contrades to serve as his field representative on Kauaʻi. Hanalē Lee Loy is field representative for West Hawaiʻi and Stevie Li is field representative East Hawaiʻi.

Contact Congressman Kahele’s Field Representatives via phone:

• Maui,  Stephanie Ohigashi 808-208-2980
• Molokaʻi, Gene Ross Davis 808-658-6681
• Lānaʻi, Joelle Aki Aoki 808-658-6728
• Kauaʻi, Michael M. Contrades 808-658-6656
• West Hawaiʻi, Hanalē Lee Loy 808-796-0120
• East Hawaiʻi, Stevie Li 808-746-6220

Hawaiiʻ’s 2nd congressional district encompasses Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau and the rural parts of Oʻahu, including Waimānalo, Kailua, Kāneʻohe, the North Shore, and Leeward coast.