Andrew Takuya Garrett

Andrew Takuya Garrett is a Democratic state representative serving Hawaii House District 22, which encompasses Mānoa, Tantalus, McCully, and Mōʻiliʻili on Oʻahu. He was born at Camp Zama, a U.S. Army base near Tokyo, Japan, to a father who served over 25 years in the military. His father was originally from rural Tennessee. When Garrett was 11 years old, his family relocated to Hawaii, settling in Mililani. He chose to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in part to provide caregiving support for his father during a period of declining health.

Education

Garrett graduated from Mililani High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

Political Experience

Garrett won his House seat in the 2022 election, defeating Republican opponent Jeffrey Imamura. Prior to his election, he served as deputy director of the Hawaii State Department of Human Resources Development during Governor David Ige's administration, a position he held during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also held executive roles with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, where he served as vice president of post-acute care, and with the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs.

In his legislative role, Garrett currently serves as chair of the House Committee on Higher Education and is a member of the House Committee on Education. During the current legislative session, he has initiated 34 bills, with 3 passed and 31 pending.