Mark Mararagan, who hails from Kekaha, has become the first staffer hired by new Kaua’i State Sen. Gary Hooser. Hooser, in a news release, said he hired Mararagan as his office manager in Honolulu to oversee the “daily rigors” of
Mark Mararagan, who hails from Kekaha, has become the first staffer hired by new Kaua’i State Sen. Gary Hooser.
Hooser, in a news release, said he hired Mararagan as his office manager in Honolulu to oversee the “daily rigors” of the 2003 Legislative session, which starts in mid-January.
Prior to taking the job, Mararagan spent the last seven years coordinating legislative advocacy efforts of the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Mararagan’s experience and knowledge in Hawaii’s legislative process and operations are expected to be an asset to Hooser during the senator’s first year in the state Capitol.
In his new job, Mararagan, a1988 graduate of Waimea High School, said Hooser “opened the door for me” to allow him to be “able to give back to my home island.”
After graduating from the University of Manoa campus with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Mararagan worked for Fujiyama, Duffy & Fujiyama as a paralegal and personal assistant to the late Wallace S. Fujiyama.
Mararagan also worked for Kaua’i House. Rep. Bertha Kawakami during the 1995 Legislative session.
“Being in Hawai’i’s legislative arena for a good number of years, I felt that there was more I needed to do for myself personally, and the island of Kaua’i,” Mararagan said.
Mararagan said “there is so much to do for Kaua’i,” and praised Hooser, saying he believes his boss will do “the best he can.”
Hooser was recently selected as vice chair of the Senate Education Committee, allowing him the chance to follow through on one of his campaign promises to improve public education in Hawai’i.
Hooser also is a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senate Energy and Environment Committee and the Human Services Committee.
Hooser can be reached dialing 274-3141, then 6-6030 at the prompt, or at Senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov
