MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced Representative Blake Oshiro will be joining Abercrombie Administration as his Deputy Chief of Staff. Rep. Oshiro, who currently serves in the House of Representatives as its Majority Leader will be stepping down from his seat on December 7, 2011.

“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.”

“Blake Oshiro is a recognized leader in our community and a tireless public servant. His experience will be of great value to all of us,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “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.”

During his tenure in the House, Rep. Oshiro served the residents of Aiea, Halawa Valley, Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights, and Red Hill. He made significant contributions to policy and reform. Prior to being House Majority Leader, he 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. While in the House, Rep. Oshiro has also served as Committee Vice-Chair of Legislative Management, Vice-Chair of Judiciary. Vice-Chair of the Interim Task Force on Standards of Conduct and Co-Chair of Public Safety and Justice Task Force, Council of State Government.

Rep. Oshiro, 41, is a graduate of Pearl City High School, the University of Southern California, and the William S. Richardson School of Law. He was first elected to the House in 2000. He is of counsel with Alston, Hunt, Floyed, & Ing; and serves as a Director for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii as well as a member of the Young Democrats of Hawai’i.

In 2010, Rep. Oshiro was recognized with the Japanese American Citizens League Distinguished Service Award. That same year, Rep. Oshiro was a recipient of the Hawai’i State Bar Association Champion for Social Justice Award.

“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 Hawai’i’s future,” said Rep. Oshiro.

He begins his transition into the Abercrombie Administration immediately. Rep. Oshiro will assist Chief of Staff Bruce Coppa with the Governor’s legislative agenda and other areas of policy.