Shan Tsutsui was appointed to lieutenant governor by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in 2012 and won the seat outright in 2014.

During his time as one of Hawaii’s top elected officials, Tsutsui earned a reputation as a respected consensus-builder, working effectively and cooperatively with leaders in the public and private sectors. He championed programs to help Hawaii’s youth, such as the Resources for Enrichment, Athletics and Health (REACH) Initiative which has invested nearly $3 million in Hawaii’s schools, and the Farm to School Initiative to help make school lunches healthier and locally sourced.

Tsutsui is a former member of the Hawaii State Senate, representing District 4 from 2002 to 2012. He was Senate President from 2011 to 2012 and also served as the majority caucus leader.

Prior to entering politics, Tsutsui was a financial adviser, businessman, and consultant.