Sylvia Luke
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
3
Honours
Sylvia Luke's career is defined by historic firsts and a legacy of public service. She became the first South Korean-born politician elected to statewide office in the United States when she won the lieutenant governor's race in 2022. She is also the third woman to serve as Hawaii's lieutenant governor. During her 24 years in the state House, she chaired the Finance Committee and became known for bringing transparency to the state budget. Her initiatives as lieutenant governor, Ready Keiki and Connect Kākou, aim to provide universal preschool access and expand high-speed internet across Hawaii. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to early childhood education, digital equity, and efficient government.
Honours & Distinctions
First South Korean-born politician elected to statewide office in the U.S.
Historic milestone as first Korean-born person elected to statewide office in the United States.
Third woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
Only the third woman in Hawaii's history to hold the office.
Highest-ranking Korean American official in the U.S.
As lieutenant governor, she became the highest-ranking Korean American elected official in the country.