Mark Takai, the former state representative who will be Hawaii’s next congressman, has named Rod Tanonaka to be his chief of staff. 

Tanonaka will be based in the Hawaii District Office at the Federal Building in Honolulu.

Tanonaka is currently serving in the same capacity with the office of U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is completing her term of office after having lost a primary battle to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

Mark Takai speaks to supporters after winning a seat in the U.S. Congress.

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Takai was elected to take Hanabusa’s seat.

“Rod and I have known each other since we were both students at the University of Hawaii,” Takai said in a press release Monday. “His career has been focused on serving the public since graduation from UH, and he has deep experience working on federal issues that are critical to the people of Hawaii.”

Takai is scheduled to be sworn into office Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C., along with other members of Congress. 

He will repeat his oath of office in Honolulu on Jan. 16 at the Federal Courthouse.