LIHU‘E — U.S. Rep. Kaiali‘i “Kai” Kahele announced Michael M. Contrades has been chosen to serve as the congressman’s field representative on Kaua‘i.
“It is extremely important to me that the people of Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District have accessible representation when there is a need for help at the federal level,” Kahale said in the announcement.
“I am pleased to have Mike aboard to assist with that. Before joining our office, Mike had a distinguished career in the Kaua‘i Police Department, where he retired as deputy chief. He is a valuable asset to our team, and I am certain he will be a strong advocate for the people of Kaua‘i.”
Contrades is a temporary hire in the Mayor’s Office, and recently was approved by the county Board of Ethics for this position.
He was born and raised in Hawai‘i and is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, graduating summa cum laude from Bethel University, while working full time.
He further graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and currently serves as a board member with the Kaua‘i United Way and the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Region.
Kahele also announced Stephanie Ohigashi as the liaison to Maui residents, Gene Ross Davis being accessible to Moloka‘i residents, and Joelle Aki Aoki as the field representative on Lana‘i.
This is a break from tradition, where each island in the Maui County has a designated congressional field representative and member of the congressional staff.
“It is important to me that all residents of Hawai‘i’s 2nd congressional district have a direct contact to their federal representative in Congress to help address their needs and concerns,” Kahele said.
“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.”
Also selected to field-representative positions were Hanale Lee Loy for West Hawai‘i and Steve Li is the field representative for East Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i’s 2nd Congressional District covers Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau, and the rural parts of O‘ahu, including Waimanalo, Kailua, Kane‘ohe, the North Shore and the Leeward Coast.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
