Mihoko E. Ito
Counsel

Mihoko Ito joined the firm as counsel in August 2012. She is also the Managing Partner of SanHi Government Strategies LLP.

Ms. Ito concentrates her practice in the area of government relations and administrative law.

Ms. Ito’s experience includes advising clients on strategies related to legislation, government issues, and public relations. She represents clients before the Hawaii State Legislature, County Councils, and various government agencies, commissions, and boards on policy-related matters, including licensing, regulatory, and procurement issues.

Her expertise involves planning political and legislative strategies, developing policy positions, and providing extensive lobbying services such as drafting, monitoring, and analyzing legislation, presenting written and oral testimony, and engaging with legislators and stakeholders.  She also provides strategic advice to companies looking to enter or enhance their business operations in Hawaii and advocates on behalf of her clients to ensure their interests are effectively represented.

Ms. Ito’s representative clients include the American Beverage Association, Consumer Data Industry Association, Consumer Technology Association, Enterprise Mobility, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Association of Realtors, Reworld, Walgreen Company, Wine Institute, and others.

Professional Affiliations:

Ms. Ito is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association and the California State Bar Association.

Professional Activities:

Ms. Ito serves as a director with the Hawaii Women Lawyers, Hawaii Procurement Institute, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Hawaii Chapter, State Law Resources, Access to Justice Commission and Hawaii Justice Foundation.

Professional Recognitions:

Ms. Ito has been the recipient of numerous professional and community recognitions.  Since 2021, she has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for her exceptional work in Government Contracts.  She is also a past recipient of the Kahiau Award from Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaii, Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 Award, Stars of Hope Award from the Hata Foundation and Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Foundation Spirit of Justice Award, and Hawaii State Bar Association’s Ki’e ki’e award for her pro bono work.

Community Activities:

Ms. Ito is on the board and a former board chair of Parents and Children Together, and active with the Worldwide Uchinanchu Business/Okinawan Chamber of Commerce.