75TH 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

Kristyn Sugibayashi, General Chair Kristin Alm, Advisor Crystine Ito, Advisor
Hailey Takayesu, Advisor Garrett Matsumoto, Treasurer Brock Asato, Sales Co-Chair Jennifer Kumura, Sales Co-Chair
Tory Nakata, Sales Co-Chair Kelli-Ann Eguchi, Donor Relations Co-Chair
Lori Kim, Donor Relations Co-Chair
Jordyn Shota-Chang, Contestant Search Chair Heather Furutani, Contestant Co-Coordinator
Roxy Takaesu Susa, Contestant Co-Coordinator Kaelyn Okuhata, Contestant Advisor

SHOW Area

Jewel Mahoe, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair
Lauren Sugai, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair Shelly Hodges, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Ruth Shontell, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Alyssa Kano, Public Appearances Co-Chair
Shari Nishijima, Public Appearances Co-Chair Kristen Asato, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
David Torigoe, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Ashley Nabeshima-Marumoto, Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Derek Shota-Chang, Golf Tournament Co-Chair

Festival Area

Jennifer Ezaki, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Jennifer Wong, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Casey Miyashiro, Judging Co-Chair
Erin Todoki, Judging Co-Chair
Brittney Kawahara, Violet Niimi Scholarship Chair
Shellee Takara, Silent Auction Co-Chair Rachel Yonamine, Silent Auction Co-Chair

Marketing Area

Joseph Furutani, Souvenir Book Chair
Jessica Balliares, Photographer Meagan Nakamoto, Marketing Co-Chair
Michelle Shimazu, Marketing Co-Chair Jaylin Petersen, Haiku Art Contest