72nd Cherry Blossom Festival Steering Committee

The steering committee is comprised of dedicated and driven individuals who tirelessly volunteer their time and energy to coordinate one of the longest, continually running ethnic festival in the State of Hawaii. The Festival provides an amazing experience for the Queen Contestants and equally important, the Festival provides an opportunity for young professionals to develop and refine skills applicable to all areas of their career and personal lives.

Executive Area

Kristin Alm, General Co-Chair Garrett Matsumoto, General Co-Chair Crystine Ito, Advisor Heather Furutani, Advisor Kristine Okada, Advisor Jaren Iwasa, Treasurer Ruth Shontell, Sales Co-Chair Tobie Egami, Sales Co-Chair Jennifer Ezaki, Donor Relations
Erin Todoki, Contestant Search Co-Chair Kirstie Maeshiro-Takiguchi, Contestant Search Co-Chair Hailey Takayesu, Contestant Coordinator Jewel Mahoe, Contestant Advisor Kristyn Sugibayashi, Contestant Advisor Jennifer Kaneshiro, Hospitality Co-Chair Tari Lynn Manin, Hospitality Co-Chair Traci Kobayashi, Hospitality Advisor

SHOW Area

Eric Imada, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair
Sheri Morishige, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair Melody Higa, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Michelle Tsuda, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Michelle Ota, Public Appearances Co-Chair
Sydney Gonzales, Public Appearances Co-Chair David Torigoe, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Kelli-Ann Eguchi, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Jayrald Rabago, Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Lori Kim, Golf Tournament Co-Chair

Festival Area

Shelly Imamura, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Jacquelyn Morikubo, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Lauren Dookchitra, Festival Ball Advisor Erin Shiroma, Judging Co-Chairs
Ashley Ishimura, Judging Co-Chairs
Eryn Muraoka, Violet Niimi Scholarship Chair Mika Morigawara, Silent Auction Chair

Marketing Area

Kristina Ono, T-Shirt Chair
Natalie Millon, Photographer Ashley Higa, Marketing Co-Chair
Danielle Au, Marketing Co-Chair Ashley Nabeshima, Souvenir Book
Kim Takata Endo, Souvenir Book Jordyn Shota Chang, Haiku Art Contestant Co-Chair
Leila Mitsunaga, Haiku Art Contestant Co-Chair