73rd 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

Hailey Takayesu, General Chair Kristin Alm, Advisor Crystine Ito, Advisor Scott Motobu, Treasurer Shelly Imamura, Sales Co-Chair Kristyn Sugibayashi, Sales Co-Chair Eric Imada, Donor Relations
Lori Kim, Contestant Search Chair Kelly Ann Fujioka, Contestant Co-Coordinator Lauren Sugai, Contestant Co-Coordinator Ashley Nabeshima, Contestant Advisor Reeann Minatoya, Contestant Advisor Aaron Muraki, Hospitality Co-Chair Jennifer Kumura, Hospitality Co-Chair

SHOW Area

David Torigoe, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair
Kelsey Uehira, Opening Ceremonies Co-Chair Naomi Oki, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Tiare Kahalewai, Closing Ceremony Co-Chair
Kelli-Ann Eguchi, Public Appearances Co-Chair
Jaylin Petersen, Public Appearances Co-Chair Jacquelyn Morikubo, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Kira-Nariese Brown, Contestant Reception Co-Chair
Garrett Matsumoto, Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Meagan Nakamoto, Golf Tournament Co-Chair

Festival Area

Kristie Maeshiro-Takiguchi, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Lisa Nishya, Festival Ball Co-Chair
Brooke Yoshimura, Festival Ball Co-Chair Casey Miyashiro, Judging Co-Chair
Erin Todoki, Judging Co-Chair
Sarah Kamida-Nakagawa, Violet Niimi Scholarship Chair Colby Yamamoto, Silent Auction Co-Chair Jaren Iwasa, Silent Auction Co-Chair

Marketing Area

Leah Toma, T-Shirt Co-Chair
Quinn Tanaka, T-Shirt Co-Chair Matt Takayesu, Photographer Jon Taketa, Photographer Wolfgang Sakamaki, Marketing Co-Chair
Gabriella Gualano, Marketing Co-Chair Jennifer Wong, Public Relations Chair Tobie Egami, Souvenir Book Kim Takata Endo, Haiku Art Contestant Chair