Ann Kobayashi
From dKosopedia
| Ann Kobayashi | |
|---|---|
| Nonpartisan Race For Hononlulu Council District 5 | |
| |
| Party | Democratic |
| July 2009 | |
| Preceded by | |
| Succeeded by | |
| Birthdate | |
About Ann Kobayashi
Honolulu Hawai`i resident Ann Kobayashi began her distinguished political career as a community organizer concerned about land use issues in Manoa Valley on the island of O`ahu. Encouraged by friends, she first ran for the State Senate in 1978. Elected in 1981, she joined only a handful of women senators including Mary George, Jackie Young, Mary Jane McMurdo and Pat Saiki. Together, they formed a bipartisan women’s caucus. Senator Kobayashi later chaired the bodys' powerful Ways & Means Committee where she demonstrated her ability to understand complicated fiscal matters and to make prudent decisions for the people of Hawai`i.
In 1997, Kobayashi worked for the Mayor’s office as a Special Assistant and then moved to Hawai`i Governor Governor Cayetano’s office in the same capacity until 2002 when she was elected to the Honolulu City Council representing District-5.
Known for her fiscal conservatism, she was soon utilizing her expertise as the Council's Finance Chair. Ms. Kobayashi is also known for her views on the need for greater transparency in awarding government contracts. She did not seek reelection in 2008 and instead ran for Mayor, losing by a narrow margin against incumbent Mufi Hannemann. Kobayashi had said, "The same engineers get the contracts. It shouldn't be based on how many tickets you buy to a fundraiser. Everyone should have an equal chance to get a contract with the city."
Of Kobayashi, in July 2009, former Governor Ben Cayatano wrote, "As a former state senator and city council woman, Ann Kobayashi's knowledge and experience in handling city and state issues is invaluable. More importantly, her honesty and good character are beyond reproach."
Ann Kobayashi is also an astute businesswoman and is active in the family businesses; A.P. Kobayashi rental properties, and Kobayashi Asset Management Corporation where she is the Vice-President for real estate. Ms. Kobayashi is mother to three children and a proud grandmother of six.
ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITY SERVICE
(Partial list)
Aloha United Way - Board of Directors
American Cancer Society - Past Board of Directors
American Red Cross - Board of Directors
Arthritis Foundation, Hawaii Chapter - Member
Ballet Theatre of Hawai`i - Board of Directors
Boys and Girls Club of Honolulu - Board of Directors
Catholic Charities - Board of Directors
CUSO of Hawai`i, Inc. (a credit Union service organization) - Board of Directors
Domestic Violence Clearinghouse & Legal Hotline - Board of Directors
Frank DeLima’s Student Enrichment Program - Board Member
Hawai`i Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances - Advisory Board
Hawaii Lupus Foundation - Board of Governors
Hawaiian Lifeguard Association - Board of Directors
Hawaii Women's political Caucus - Member
Honolulu Police Commission - Former Commissioner
International Association of Chiefs of Police - Past Member
Japanese Women's Society Foundation - Member
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation - Former Director
Lyon Arboretum Manoa Neighborhood Board - Board Member
March of Dimes - Board of Directors
United Japanese Society of Hawai`i - Past Board President
External Links
- Honolulu City Council (City and County of Honolulu)
- Kobayashi takes District 5 with an ear to working class -- She says she wants to develop business while also protecting the neighborhoods (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1-28-02)
- Property tax break in sight (Honolulu Advertiser, 7-28-05)
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