Karen’s insurance and finance career spans more than 30 years. She began her insurance career with Stan Kinoshita & Associates, where she advanced from receptionist to personal lines underwriter before expanding into commercial lines underwriting. Karen later transitioned into the banking and finance industry, working as a human resources and payroll specialist before returning to insurance. She became a licensed agent and continues to bring extensive industry knowledge and relationship-focused service to her clients. Karen also holds a CISR designation.
Born and raised in Hilo, Karen is a graduate of Waiakea High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Active in the community, Karen served on the Executive Board of Directors for Hilo Junior Tennis Club for the past 12 years, including club president from 2023 to 2025. She is also a past board member of East Hawaii Community Tennis Organization and is involved with several other local organizations, including the USTA Hawaii Pacific Youth Committee, Hilo High School Viking Band Booster Club, and Hilo High Viking Tennis Booster Club.
She also supports her husband, Mitchell, who is active in the Rotary Club of Hilo and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii.
Karen and Mitchell have two daughters, Marissa and Katelyn, and a rescue dog named Buddy.
In her free time, Karen enjoys supporting her children’s activities, traveling, and watching Chinese dramas.