DISTRICT 1 S T A F F

Gemma Espresion, Executive Secretary

Ms. Gemma Espresion serves as the personal secretary to Councilmember Todd K. Apo.  Gemma organizes and coordinates advanced clerical and administrative matters for the Councilmember. Gemma served as personal secretary to past Councilmember, Mike Gabbard. Ms. Espresion has served the City and County of Honolulu for the past 15 years and was a member of the Waipahu Visioning Team.  She is active in her community and has volunteered with various City-sponsored events such as Brunch on the Beach, Sunset on the Beach, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Foodbank Drive, WalkAmerica, and Great Aloha Run.  She also served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and a member of the Vaiete Soccer League. Gemma earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.  Gemma resides in Waipahu with her two teenage sons, Ryan and Bryson.  back to top

Charmaine T. Doran, Senior Advisor

Ms. Charmaine Doran is a Senior Advisor for Councilmember Todd Apo, Council District 1.  Charmaine's primary responsibility is to provide administrative and technical guidance and support with committee task, legislative items as well as day to day office operations.  Before joining the City and County of Honolulu, Charmaine served the Hawaii County Council and the Office of the Legislative Auditor for over 14 years.  During that time, she staffed numerous Council Committees including Planning, Public Works and the Hawaii State Association of Counties.  She also performed extensive work in policy and legislative drafting, budget and program reviews as well as constituency relations.  Charmaine is a graduate of Pahoa High School and holds a Masters in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Charmaine is currently working toward her PhD Urban and Regional Planning. back to top

Tracy Omori, Legislative Aide

Ms. Tracy Omori is the newest member to join the District 1 staff as a Legislative Aide. Tracy was a flight attendant for nineteen years at Aloha Airlines before coming to work for the City of Honolulu. She has also served as an Office Assistant for the Hawaii State Senate and a Human Resource Specialist for the City & County of Honolulu.  Tracy is a graduate of Roosevelt High School and received her Bachelors degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Hawaii, Manoa.   back to top

Christopher Garth, Legislative Aide

Mr. Christopher Garth is a Legislative Aide to Councilmember Todd K. Apo.  Christopher's experience with conflict resolution and public policy has provided our staff with additional strength in tracking constituent issues.  Christopher has returned to the Hawaii to settle into our office after having received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.  As a freelance journalist and outdoor enthusiast, Christopher contributes in an dedicated and positive way to our very issue oriented staff. back to top

Cindy Ramirez, Legislative Analyst Ms. Cindy Ramirez is a Legislative Analyst on Councilman Todd K. Apo's staff.  Cindy's responsibilities also include the district newsletter, website, and tracking district issues.  Prior to coming to Honolulu City Council, Cindy worked with the Hawaii State House of Representatives.  She was on the legislative staff for Representative Kirk Caldwell, serving as district liaison for Manoa Valley-University-Moiliili, State District 24.   Cindy did her graduate work in Filipino Studies at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and was a Fulbright Scholar at De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.  She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.  back to top