HIRONO COMMENDS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S HUD NOMINATION OF TWO WOMEN WITH HAWAII TIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded the nominations of Nani A. Coloretti and Erika Moritsugu to positions within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Coloretti was nominated for the position of Deputy Secretary, and Ms. Moritsugu was nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations.

“I congratulate Nani on her nomination as the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s always a pleasure to see women from Hawaii being recognized for their commitment to service and their leadership qualities,” said Hirono. “Nani will bring a wealth of experience to this job and I look forward to working with her once confirmed.”

Nani A. Coloretti is the Assistant Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and has previously held various public service positions in the city of San Francisco. She was a Budget Analyst for the Department of Public Safety in the State of Hawaii from 1991 to 1992.  Ms. Coloretti is a recipient of the National Public Service Award, the Public Policy and International Affairs Achievement Award, the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Federal 100 Award.

“I’ve known Erika for many years and look forward to her confirmation as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Hirono. “She will bring unique experience to the job. From serving as the Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Akaka to working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service to her time at the Prosecuting Attorney’s office for the City and County of Honolulu, Erika brings tremendous skill and talent to all that she undertakes.”

Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu is the Deputy Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs at the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Prior to that, Ms. Moritsugu was the Deputy Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawai?i from 2010 to 2012.  Ms. Moritsugu previously served in several capacities at the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. She has also held positions at Hogan and Hartson, LLP; The Wexler Group; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County of Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. She is a Member of the Board of Pan Pacific American Leaders and Mentors.  She is a 2004 recipient of the Tahirih Justice Center Pro Bono Award and a 2001 Bryce Harlow Foundation Scholar.