Wikipedia

Sylvia Luke

Sylvia Jung Luke (née Chang, born December 15, 1967) is an American attorney and politician who is serving as the 16th lieutenant governor of Hawaii. She served as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives for 24 years, from 1998 until her election as lieutenant governor in 2022. She is the first Korean American politician ever elected to a statewide office in the United States.[1]

Sylvia Luke
16th Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 5, 2022
GovernorJosh Green
Preceded byJosh Green
Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives
from the 25th district
26th (1998–2012)
In office
November 3, 1998 – November 8, 2022
Preceded byQuentin Kawānanakoa
Succeeded byRedistricted
Personal details
Born
Sylvia Eun Jung Chang 장은정

(1967-12-15) December 15, 1967 (age 57)
Seoul, South Korea
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Michael Luke
​
(m. 1996)​
Children1
EducationUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (BA)
University of San Francisco (JD)

Early life and education

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Sylvia Luke was born Sylvia Eun Jung Chang (장은정) on December 15, 1967, in Seoul, South Korea.[2][3][4] Because her Korean name, Eun, means "silver," her mother gave her the English name Sylvia.[5]

When she was nine years old, her family moved to Hawai'i and she started school at Queen Kaahumanu Elementary School. She could speak only a few words of English and recalls how her homeroom teacher volunteered to coach her daily after school.[6] She later attended Lincoln Elementary School, Kawananakoa Middle School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1985.

While a junior and senior at Roosevelt High School, Luke conducted independent research at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on genetics in entomology. This experience led her to become a strong supporter of Early College, a program that allows high school students to take college classes and earn credits.[7]

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She also spent a semester studying international studies at Yonsei University in Korea.[8]

Early career

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Luke consecutively served from January 1999 until 2013 in the Hawaii House of Representatives for the 26th district, and from January 2013 until 2022 for the 25th district. In addition to serving as a legislator, she worked as an attorney in private practice.[5]

Hawaii House of Representatives

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For 24 years, Luke served in the Hawaii House of Representatives as the representative for Makiki, Punchbowl, Nuuanu, Dowsett Highlands, Pacific Heights and Pauoa.[9]

She has served as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns, Vice Speaker from 2001 to 2004, Chair of the House Select Committee on War Preparedness, and Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary from 2005 to 2006. As Judiciary Chair, Luke was instrumental in passing laws to require lifetime registration for the worst sex offenders and all convicted felons to submit DNA samples and hand impressions.[10]

Chair of House Committee on Finance (2013–2022)

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Luke gained a reputation as a powerful lawmaker in her leadership of the House Finance Committee, where she asked tough questions about how state money is spent.[6] She was the first woman to chair the Finance Committee in the Legislature's history.[11]

Federal Reimbursements for Medicaid

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Luke, along with Senator Michelle Kidani and Representative Della Au Belatti, has been instrumental in leading efforts to maximize federal reimbursements for Medicaid. Luke estimated that the Hawaii State Department of Education could potentially claim up to $50 million to $100 million more each year. Frustrated by the lack of progress from the department in recovering these funds, a legislative working group was formed to take a more proactive approach.[12]

Special Funds

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Luke took significant steps to regain control over state spending. Luke believes it is important for the Legislature to have transparency and the ability to prioritize spending, including special funds, which are dedicated accounts for specific programs. She has also tackled other complex fiscal issues, such as addressing temporary hires and introducing legislation for regular reviews of tax credits and exemptions. Luke's efforts aimed to ensure accountability, effective allocation of public funds, and the Legislature's ability to fulfill its responsibilities.[5]

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Luke worked with federal, state, and county partners to discuss how to best allocate the federal relief funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) to address public health and safety while navigating issues with balancing the state budget. Using information from the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, which worked with representatives from local and state government, private industry, and nonprofit agencies and organizations to inform the House of Representatives on the State's economic and financial preparedness, funding was allocated for rent subsidies, unemployment insurance, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for schools and hospitals.[13]

When Hawai'i's unemployment rate rose from one of the lowest in the country to the highest in April 2020, Luke worked with legislative leadership to establish a satellite unemployment insurance claims center at the Convention Center, where hundreds of state employees volunteered to help process the backlog of over 160,000 unemployment claims.[13] She also helped direct federal funding to support local business recovery efforts through the Hawai'I Restaurant Card program.[14]

In 2021, Governor Ige's executive budget proposed cuts to programs like HIV prevention and treatment, tuberculosis control, prenatal care, and sexual assault treatment.[15] The COVID-19 relief funds helped Luke's committee to prevent these cuts of $80 million in social services, including support for low-income families, cash support for child care, senior citizen support, and crime victim compensation.[16]

Lieutenant governor of Hawai'i

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Luke being sworn in as lieutenant governor of Hawaii in 2022 by Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald

2022 campaign for lieutenant governor

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Main article: 2022 Hawaii gubernatorial election

In 2021, Luke announced her intention to run for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. She stated that she would work to implement laws she helped to pass to increase affordable housing, ensure that all 3-4-year olds have access to preschool, increase broadband capacity and use unused school lands for teacher housing.[17]

During the race, the Be Change Now super PAC spent $1.2 million opposing Luke, and $2.9 million to support her opponent former City councilmember Ikaika Anderson, setting the state record for the most money spent by a PAC for a single race in Hawaii.[18]

Luke won the Democratic nomination, defeating Anderson and four other candidates with 36.2% of the vote. She joined incumbent lieutenant governor Josh Green, who won the Democratic nomination for governor, on the ticket. The Green-Luke ticket would defeat the Republican ticket of Duke Aiona and Seaula Tupa'i Jr. in a landslide, earning 63% of the vote.

Luke was inaugurated as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Hawai'i on December 5, 2022.

Tenure

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Luke in 2023 on a National Lieutenant Governors Association panel with Lt. Governors Aruna Miller and Deidre Henderson

Universal Access to Preschool (Ready Keiki)

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In her inauguration speech, Luke described her experiences as a working mother and how important access to preschools and child care is to families who depend on them, citing it as a cost-of-living issue.[19]

In January 2023, Luke launched the Ready Keiki initiative to expand preschool services statewide and build hundreds of classrooms to increase the state's capacity to serve underserved children.[20] The plan includes renovating classrooms at Department of Education elementary schools, expanding state subsidies provided under the Preschool Open Doors program to low- and moderate-income families, and creating teaching classrooms at high schools and college campuses.[21]

Broadband Access

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Luke is working with departments across the state government to maximize the flow of federal money into Hawaiʻi's broadband access and coordinate federal funding strategies.[22]

Secretary of State Modernization Efforts

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Luke plans to modernize many of the Secretary of State responsibilities and duties for the public, including name changes, international document certifications, and administrative rules processing, including a searchable database.[23][24] The state's Apostille system has largely remained unchanged since 1960.[24] In 2023, House Bill 964, which passed the Legislature, would have increased the $1 fee to help fund upgrades including a new online filing system. Despite no testimony offered in opposition, Governor Green later received feedback and issued a veto which Luke agreed to.[25]

Annual State Employees' Food Drive

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Luke launched the 24th Annual State Employees' Food Drive to support the Hawaii Foodbank. The kickoff was held at a Hawaii Rainbow Warriors baseball game for the first time in its history.[26] Luke also led the inaugural Food Drive Fest at the Hawaii State Capitol.[27]

2023 Maui and Hawaii Island Fires

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Main article: 2023 Hawaii wildfires
 
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke prepares to fly aboard a Coast Guard C-130 to assess the fire damage and observe response efforts firsthand August 9, 2023. A total of 17 lives were saved from the water and 40 survivors were located ashore by Coast Guard Station Maui boat crews.

Luke served as acting Governor during the start of the August 2023 fires on Hawaii Island and Maui.[28] Luke immediately declared a state of emergency and issued an emergency proclamation which activated the National Guard and authorized expenditures for disaster relief.

Tasked by Governor Green with facilitating essential relief for Maui residents, Luke announced a coordinated effort with Mahi Pono, Maui Economic Opportunity, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to distribute donations for those affected by the Maui fires.[29] A donation site at Maui's Queen Ka'ahumanu Center was set-up and is led by a partnership between Lt. Governor Luke, the County of Maui, Mahi Pono, Salvation Army, and Feed My Sheep.[30]

Luke also worked with the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to open a new Maui Relief Storage Facility, a 30,000 square feet warehouse to manage Oahu-based donations headed for victims of the Maui fires.[31]

Hawai'i–South Korea relations

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Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Seo Young, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, and Bob Imose, Korean War veteran, salute after a wreath laying at the 73rd Korean War Commemoration Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The event also marked 70 years of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

As a Korean immigrant and the first American of Korean heritage elected to a statewide office, Luke participates in events that recognize and promote the bilateral ties between the Republic of Korea and both Hawai'i and the United States.

Luke met with the Chair of the South Korean National Assembly's intelligence committee in December 2022.[32] She also spoke at an event hosted by the Consulate General of Korea, "Korea Matters for Hawai'i/Hawai'i Matters for Korea."[33]

On August 19, 2023, the South Korean government and Consul General Lee Seo Young worked with Luke to donate $2 million USD for Maui fire disaster relief.[34]

Community involvement and affiliations

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  • Nuuanu Valley Association
  • Pacific Heights Coalition
  • Roosevelt High School Alumni Association
  • Kawananakoa Middle School PTSA
  • Pauoa School PTA
  • Nuuanu Elementary School PTA
  • Pauoa HI-PAL Baseball[9]

Personal life

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She is married to Michael Luke and has one son.[35][36] The couple met in college while both were serving as senators for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii.[13] Luke has two dogs, Musubi and Momo.[37]

Electoral history

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  • 1998 When Republican Representative Quentin Kawānanakoa retired and left the District 26 seat open, she won the three-way September 19, 1998 Democratic Primary with 1,476 votes (44.9%),[38] and won the November 3, 1998 General election with 4,914 votes (54.4%) against Republican nominee Christopher Dawson.[39]
  • 2000 she was unopposed for the September 23, 2000 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,400 votes,[40] and won the November 5, 2002 General election with 4,344 votes (54.4%) against Republican nominee David Pang.[41]
  • 2002 she was unopposed for the September 21, 2002 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,474 votes,[42] and won the November 5, 2002 General election with 5,317 votes (57.3%) against Republican nominee Signe Godfrey,[43] who had been redistricted from District 6.
  • 2004 she was unopposed for the September 18, 2004 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,520 votes,[44] and won the November 2, 2004 General election with 6,245 votes (62.5%) against Republican nominee Bob Tom.[45]
  • 2006 Luke and Tom were both unopposed for their September 26, 2006 primaries,[46] setting up a rematch; she won the November 7, 2006 General election with 4,918 votes (60.1%) against Tom.[47]
  • 2008 she was unopposed for the September 20, 2008 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,550 votes,[48] and was unopposed for the November 4, 2008 General election.[49]
  • 2010 she won the September 18, 2010 Democratic Primary with 4,688 votes (75.7%),[50] and won the November 2, 2010 General election with 6,189 votes (69.5%) against Republican nominee Norm Katz.[51]
  • 2012 Redistricted to District 25, and with Democratic Representative Della Au Belatti redistricted to District 24, she was unopposed for both the August 11, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 4,319 votes,[52] and the November 6, 2012 General election.[53]
  • 2022 she won the 13 August 2022 Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Democratic Primary, race called by The Associated Press.[54]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Nakaso, Dan (9 November 2022). "Hawaii voters pick Democrat Josh Green to be next governor". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  2. ^ Boylan, Dan (5 June 2013). "Sylvia Luke: First Woman Speaker?". MidWeek.
  3. ^ "About Sylvia". Sylvia Luke for LG. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  4. ^ 미주 역대 첫 ´한인 부지사´ 탄생 기대. The Korea Times. 2 Sep 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Yerton, Stewart (17 January 2019). "Budget Hawk Sylvia Luke: 'I Try To Know More Than Them'". Honolulu Civil Beat.
  6. ^ a b Dingeman, Robbie. "Leading Wāhine: Sylvia Luke Serves as a Role Model for Lawmakers". Honolulu Magazine.
  7. ^ UH News (25 January 2023). "Lt. Gov. credits UH with launching public service career". UH News.
  8. ^ Boylan, Dan (4 May 2016). "Da Sistahs: Looking Out For Your Money". MidWeek.
  9. ^ a b "REPRESENTATIVE SYLVIA LUKE (D)". Hawaiʻi State Legislature.
  10. ^ Godvin, Tara (5 May 2005). "2 bills expand laws on sex offenders, DNA tests". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  11. ^ Civil Beat (18 March 2014). "Reps. Luke and Belatti Honored By Hawaii Women Lawyers". Honolulu Civil Beat.
  12. ^ Perez, Rob (19 Aug 2018). "State forgoing millions in federal reimbursements". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  13. ^ a b c Mizukami, Micah (19 August 2020). "Sylvia Luke - Oral History Interview". Center for Oral History. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Social Sciences.
  14. ^ "DBEDT Announces Expansion of the Hawaii Restaurant Card Program". County of Hawai'i News.
  15. ^ McAvoy, Audrey (23 March 2021). "Virus relief money plugs hole in proposed Hawaii budget". AP News.
  16. ^ Nakaso, Dan (28 April 2021). "Hawaii lawmakers pass budget and suspend pay raises". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  17. ^ Blair, Chad (24 Oct 2021). "Hawaii Rep. Sylvia Luke Plans To Run For Lieutenant Governor". Honolulu Civil Beat.
  18. ^ Daysog, Rick (9 Sep 2022). "Hawaii union set spending record on political campaign that didn't work". Hawaii News Now.
  19. ^ Consillio, Kristen (5 Dec 2022). "Hawaii's new Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says she's working to expand early learning and technology". KITV4.
  20. ^ HNN Staff (17 Jan 2023). "Lieutenant governor unveils 'bold, credible' plan to expand preschool in Hawaii". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  21. ^ Infante, Esme (17 Jan 2023). "State to unveil ambitious preschool plan for Hawaii". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  22. ^ Cruz, Catherine (26 Jan 2023). "LG Sylvia Luke is tasked with troubleshooting Hawaiʻi's internet expansion". Hawaii Public Radio.
  23. ^ Bodon, Sabrina (21 March 2023). "Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke seeks solutions to 'antiquated' office duties". Hawaii Public Radio.
  24. ^ a b Civil Beat Editorial Board. "The Civil Beat Editorial Board Interview: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke". Honolulu Civil Beat.
  25. ^ "Green informs Legislature of 11 intended vetoes". No. Spectrum Local News. 27 June 2023.
  26. ^ "LT. GOVERNOR SYLVIA LUKE LAUNCHES ANNUAL STATE EMPLOYEES' FOOD DRIVE".
  27. ^ "LT. GOVERNOR SYLVIA LUKE HOSTS FIRST CAPITOL FOOD DRIVE FEST".
  28. ^ KITV Web Staff (8 Aug 2023). "Acting Hawaii Governor Sylvia Luke issues emergency proclamation after multiple fires break out across Hawaii". KITV4.
  29. ^ Collias, Robert; Thayer, Matthew (16 Aug 2023). "New donation site launched as families seek supplies". The Maui News.
  30. ^ Pignataro, Anthony. "County Opens New Donation Site at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center". Maui Times. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  31. ^ Angarone, Ben (19 Aug 2023). "Management Center For Maui Fire Donations Opens On Oahu". Honolulu Civil Beat.
  32. ^ Knodell, Kevin (4 December 2022). "South Korean lawmaker meets with military and Hawaii officials". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  33. ^ "Korea Matters for Hawaiʻi/Hawaiʻi Matters for Korea". East-West Center. East-West Center. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  34. ^ Knodell, Kevin (19 August 2023). "South Korea and Taiwan support for Maui relief effort". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  35. ^ Our Campaigns - Luke, Sylvia J.
  36. ^ About Sylvia
  37. ^ "Sylvia Luke for Hawaii - Mele Kalikimaka and happy holidays from Musubi, Momo & the Luke ʻOhana 🐶🎄 | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  38. ^ "Open Primary 98 - State of Hawaii - Hawaii Statewide September 19, 1998". Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 4. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  39. ^ "General - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 3, 1998". Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  40. ^ "Open Primary Election 2000 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 23, 2000". Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  41. ^ "General Election - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 7, 2000". Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  42. ^ "Open Primary Election 2002 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 21, 2002" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 4. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  43. ^ "General Election 2002 - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 5, 2002" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  44. ^ "Open Primary 2004 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 18, 2004" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  45. ^ "General Election 2004 - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 2, 2004" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  46. ^ "Primary Election 2006 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 26, 2006" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  47. ^ "General Election 2006 - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 7, 2006" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  48. ^ "Primary Election 2008 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 20, 2008" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  49. ^ "General Election - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 4, 2008" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 1. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  50. ^ "Primary Election 2010 - State of Hawaii - Statewide September 18, 2010" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 4. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  51. ^ "General Election - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 2, 2010" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  52. ^ "Primary Election 2012 - State of Hawaii - Statewide August 11, 2012" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  53. ^ "Hawaii General 2012 - State of Hawaii - Statewide November 6, 2012" (PDF). Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii Office of Elections. p. 2. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  54. ^ "Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Primary Election Results". The New York Times. 2022-08-14. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
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Hawaii House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives
from the 26th district
1999–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives
from the 25th district
2013–2022
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
2022 		Most recent
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
2022–present 		Incumbent
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