Kim Coco Iwamoto
Kim Coco Iwamoto | |
---|---|
Commissioner, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission | |
In office 2012–2016 | |
Board of Education Member, Hawaii Board of Education | |
In office 2006–2011 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Honolulu, Hawaii | May 26, 1968
Alma mater | University of New Mexico School of Law (JD, 2000) San Francisco State University (BA, 1990) Fashion Institute of Technology (AAS, 1988) |
Kim Coco Iwamoto (born May 26, 1968) is an American politician from
Iwamoto was recognized as a Champion of Change by
Early life and career
Iwamoto was born on the island of
Education
Iwamoto attended Kaimukī Community Christian Pre-School on Oʻahu, Hōkūlani Elementary School, Aliʻiōlani Elementary School, and Hanahauʻoli School. She later attended and graduated from Saint Louis School. She went on to qualify as an Associate of Arts in Merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and subsequently received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
In 2011, Iwamoto completed Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a David Bohnett Foundation LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.
Family and personal life
Iwamoto's paternal great-grandparents left Japan to work in the sugar cane plantations of Kauaʻi. Her paternal grandmother met her paternal grandfather at Tip-Top Restaurant on Kauai, where she was working as a cashier. The two used their family cars to start a taxi company, which eventually expanded into a tour company and a rental-car company. Iwamoto's father began working for the family business in high school as a car washer, and their collective efforts became known as Roberts Hawaii.
Iwamoto's maternal grandparents left Japan to grow cantaloupe and other produce in Imperial Valley, California. During World War II, Iwamoto's mother and her family were forced into internment camps in Poston, Arizona. Iwamoto's uncles were released from the internment camp to enlist in the military to serve the United States of America. Eventually the entire family was released and they returned to their farm. When Iwamoto's mother was in high school, she contributed to the family business by taking care of all the bookkeeping.
Volunteering and leadership
Shortly after finishing her undergraduate degree, Iwamoto moved back to New York City where she had attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. Using her own life experience as a transgender woman, she spent time volunteering at a local community center, helping youth develop leadership skills. It was here that her passions for helping houseless youth and LGBTQ houseless youth were fostered. Helping youth like the ones she worked with in New York was part of her motivation for attending law school. When she returned to Hawaii she became a licensed therapeutic foster parent.[5]
Public service and business experience
Iwamoto recently served as a commissioner on the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, appointed by Governor
Iwamoto's other work experiences include serving as Managing Attorney at Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii and facilitating affordable housing through AQuA Rentals, LLC (Affordable Quality Apartment Rentals, LLC). Her volunteer work includes serving on the board of directors for both Kūlia Nā Mamo and Hawaiʻi People's Fund.[8]
2018 Lieutenant Governor primary election
Iwamoto announced her bid for Lieutenant Governor in November 2017.
Electoral history
2022
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Scott Saiki | 2,661 | 51.50 | |
Democratic | Kim Coco Iwamoto | 2,510 | 48.50 | |
Total votes | 5,171 | 100.00 |
2020
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Scott Saiki | 3,393 | 51.3 | |
Democratic | Kim Coco Iwamoto | 3,226 | 48.7 | |
Total votes | 6,619 | 100 |
Notable national advocacy and recognition
Iwamoto was recognized as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama.[3]
Iwamoto publicly opposed passage of
In 2021, Iwamoto joined with local advocates known as the Wai Ola alliance as a plaintiff in a suit against the United States Navy to stop its plan to double line its underground fuel tanks at Red Hill.[19]
References
- ^ "ABOUT KIM COCO". 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
- ^ "Kim Coco Iwamoto for Lt. Governor".
- ^ a b "The White House President Barack Obama, Champions of Change".
- ^ "LGBT Pride Month 2018: 50 Gay Rights Movement Pioneers You Need to Know". Newsweek. 9 June 2018.
- ^ "Meet Kim Coco".
- )
- ^ "Hawaii Office of Elections: 2010 general election results" (PDF).
- ^ "Experience - Kim Coco Iwamoto".
- ^ "Kim Coco Iwamoto announces bid for Lieutenant Governor". Archived from the original on 2018-02-08. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
- ^ "Home". Vote Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. Archived from the original on 2018-07-06. Retrieved 2018-07-06.
- ^ "Victory Fund Endorses 37 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018".
- ^ "Maui Time Endorses Kim Coco".
- ^ "Our Revolution Oʻahu Chapter". Facebook.
- ^ "Game Changer in Race for Lieutenant Governor - Kim Coco Endorsed by Local 5". Archived from the original on 2018-06-22. Retrieved 2018-06-21.
- ^ "Why Gary Hooser is Supporting Kim Coco Iwawmoto". 7 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Testimonials, Kim Coco". Archived from the original on 2018-04-03. Retrieved 2018-04-03.
- ^ "Hawaii Office of Elections Results".
- ^ Park, Gene (16 November 2008), Islanders protest gay-marriage ban, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, archived from the original on 23 November 2008, retrieved September 28, 2006
- ^ "Citizen Group Announces Intention To Sue Navy Over Red Hill Tanks". Honolulu Civil Beat. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 2021-11-10.