Senator Hirono Announces Senior Staff Promotion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) today announced the promotion of Coti Haia to Chief of Staff.

“I am proud to announce that Coti Haia will serve as my Chief of Staff,” said Senator Hirono. “Coti has been an invaluable member of my team, most recently serving as my Deputy Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. Coti brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned Senate staffer, policy expert, and former prosecutor with deep roots in Hawaii. I am confident in her ability to guide the office as we work to pass the President’s ambitious agenda and serve constituents across the islands.”

Coti Haia has over a decade of experience in the United States Senate, beginning her time in D.C. with the Office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. She has most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. for Senator Hirono, having stepped into the role in 2018. Coti received her undergraduate degree in political science from Gonzaga University, and her J.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa's William S. Richardson School of Law. Prior to her time in the U.S. Senate, Coti served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu.

Haia replaces outgoing Chief of Staff Alan Yamamoto, who is retiring after serving more than nine years for Senator Hirono, four years as the Chief of Staff.  

“I’m grateful to Alan for his more than nine years of service to this office and to the State of Hawaii. I wish him all the best on a well-deserved retirement,” said Senator Hirono.

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