Kakesako Named Deputy Director for Department of Agriculture

A new deputy director was named Tuesday for the state Department of Agriculture.

Ken Kakesako, the department’s legislative coordinator for the past two years, will replace Scott Enright, who became the DOA chief following the retirement of Russell Kokubun in December.

Kakesako’s recent roles have included managing agricultural project contracts and providing department testimony at the Legislature.

Born and raised in Manoa, Kakesako previous worked as a legislative administrator and budget analyst for Kokubun from 2009-2010, during Kokubun’s stint as a state senator, and in a similar role in the office of another Big Island senator, Gilbert Kahele, in 2011.

He lived in Japan for five years where he was a consultant for the recruitment firm Michael Page International and also an assistant language teacher for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme.

Kakesako holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University.