Governor names Miyake as state House Representative for Maui District 10 vacancy

Governor Josh Green today appointed Tyson K. Miyake as the new Representative to the State House, filling the District 10 vacancy created by the movement of former Rep. Troy Hashimoto to the state Senate. District 10 encompasses the areas of Wai’ehu, Paukūkalo, Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, and Waikapū.

Miyake was a former Chief of Staff to previous Mayor Victorino during the past County administration between February 2020 and January 2023. Before that, he served as Deputy County Managing Director from 2019 to 2020.

New Rep. Miyake said he is humbled and honored by the selection. “I look forward to working with the governor, Speaker Saiki, and my colleagues in the legislature to move Hawaiʻi forward, and most especially rebuild a resilient Maui,” he said.

Miyake was among a list of three individuals whose names were sent to the governor for consideration. Others considered were Timothy Scott Lara, a local entrepreneur, and community leader; and Leslee D. Matthews, a social worker and local attorney.

In making the appointment, Gov. Green said, “He’ll be able to hit the ground running, and in many ways, he and Troy (Hashimoto) are going to be two of the foundational leaders this legislative session as much of what we talk about is going to be focused on Maui’s recovery.”

Sen. Hashimoto thanked the governor for moving through the process expeditiously to make sure Maui had representation, especially as members gear up for a critical legislative session. “I look forward to having a great partner. I’ve known Tyson for many, many years. He’ll be a great addition to the Maui delegation,” said Sen. Hashimoto.

House Speaker Scott K. Saiki released a statement saying, “This year has marked an unprecedented occurrence, with a record number of appointments to the House of Representatives. The House extends a warm welcome to Tyson Miyake and appreciates his commitment to serving his community. We look forward to Miyake’s fresh perspective and County-level experience, trusting he will work alongside the Maui delegation to deliver much-needed relief and leadership to Maui in the upcoming legislative session.”

“Tyson Miyake comes with a wide range of experience and commitment to serving the people of Maui. He will be ready on day one to serve the people of House District 10,” said Adrian Tam,
Interim Chair of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi in a statement. “The Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi maintains its confidence that he will serve his constituents and Hawai‘i well.”

Before his career in public service, Miyake served as COO of the family owned Miyake Concrete Accessories Inc. In the community, he serves as a director on the American Cancer Society Hawai‘i Pacific board. He is also a mentor to the Maui High School Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and previously served on the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, in addition to other engagement with nonprofit, civic and professional organizations. 

*This post was updated to include additional information on Miyake’s previous employment and comments on Miyake’s appointment.