Kim Coco Iwamoto

Kim Coco Iwamoto is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing the 25th District. A member of the Democratic Party, Iwamoto is notable for being the first transgender state legislator in Hawaii's history. Her political career has included various roles, such as serving on the Hawaii Board of Education and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. In addition to her legislative work, Iwamoto has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and has participated in significant political campaigns, including a bid for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii.

Early life and career

Kim Coco Iwamoto was born on May 26, 1968, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. She is of Japanese descent, with family roots that trace back to both the sugar cane plantations of Kauai and agricultural endeavors in California's Imperial Valley. Iwamoto's maternal grandparents were interned during World War II, and her family history includes significant contributions to local business, particularly in the transportation sector through a family taxi and tour company known as Roberts Hawaii.

Iwamoto's educational journey began in Hawaii, where she attended several schools, including Kaimukī Community Christian Pre-School, Hōkūlani Elementary School, and Saint Louis School, from which she graduated in 1986. She later pursued higher education in New York City, earning an Associate of Arts in Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Iwamoto continued her academic pursuits by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.

In 2011, she furthered her education by completing a program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, supported by the David Bohnett Foundation LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellowship. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for her future public service and advocacy work.

Iwamoto's commitment to community service began shortly after her undergraduate studies when she returned to New York City. There, she volunteered at a community center, focusing on leadership development for youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness and identifying as LGBTQ. This experience fueled her desire to pursue a legal career, aiming to advocate for marginalized communities. Upon returning to Hawaii, she became a licensed therapeutic foster parent, where she continued her advocacy by giving a voice to foster children who faced bullying and harassment.

Legislative service

Iwamoto's political career began with her election to the Hawaii Board of Education, where she served two terms from 2006 to 2011. Her election was historic, as she became the highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in the United States at that time. Iwamoto was reelected in 2010, receiving a significant increase in votes compared to her initial election. Following her tenure on the Board of Education, she was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to serve as a commissioner on the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission from 2012 to 2016.

In 2016, Iwamoto sought to expand her political influence by running for the 13th State Senate district but was defeated in the Democratic primary. She continued her political ambitions by challenging incumbent House Speaker Scott Saiki in the Democratic primary for the 26th State House district in 2020, where she was unsuccessful. Iwamoto contested Saiki again in 2022, this time for the 25th district, losing by a narrow margin.

In a significant turn of events, Iwamoto successfully won the Democratic primary in 2024 against Saiki, marking a notable victory in her political career. Following this primary win, she was unchallenged in the general election, solidifying her position as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Iwamoto's policy focus has been shaped by her personal experiences and professional background. Her advocacy for LGBTQ rights and issues related to education and civil rights has been a hallmark of her political career. Iwamoto's previous roles on the Hawaii Board of Education and the Civil Rights Commission have provided her with insights into the challenges faced by students and marginalized communities in Hawaii.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Iwamoto has been involved in various community organizations and initiatives. She has served on the board of directors for organizations such as Kūlia Nā Mamo and the Hawaiʻi People's Fund, and co-founded the Hawaii Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, which comprises a network of businesses committed to sustainable practices.

Iwamoto's commitment to public service extends beyond her legislative duties. She has been recognized for her contributions to the community, including being named a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama in 2013 and being listed by Newsweek in 2018 as one of fifty pioneers for LGBTQ rights. Her activism and leadership continue to resonate within her district and the broader Hawaiian community.

In September 2024, Iwamoto was involved in a protest at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, where she and several others were arrested for alleged obstruction during a management lockout of unionized nurses. The charges against them were later dismissed, illustrating her active engagement in labor rights and community advocacy.

Through her legislative service, Iwamoto aims to address the needs of her constituents in the 25th District, focusing on education, civil rights, and social justice. Her unique perspective as a transgender woman and her extensive background in law and public service position her as a significant figure in Hawaii's political landscape.