Edward Cruickshank, former director of the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, has been named military legislative assistant in the office of Rep. Mark Takai. Cruickshank previously served as Brigade Commander in the Hawaii Army National Guard from 1973-1997.

He was one of several recent staff appointments as Takai puts together his staff.

Most of Takai’s other new hires come directly from the staff of former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

Alexander Hetherington, assistant communications director. Hetherington, a Punahou graduate who attended the University of the Pacific, served as assistant finance director in Takai’s successful campaign.

Kamakana K. Kaimuloa, senior legislative assistant. Kaimuloa previously worked for Rep. Hanabusa, most recently as her senior military legislative assistant.

Rufino Magliba, executive assistant. Magliba held the same position with Rep. Hanabusa, and previously worked for Sen. Dan Inouye.

Colette M. Masunaga, legislastive. Matsunaga is a 2013 graduate of University of California-Davis with a B.A. in International Relations. She also previously worked in Hanabusa’s office, first as Japanese American Citizens League Mike M. Masaoka Congressional Fellow, and then as a staff assistant.

Nina Fisher, office manager. Fisher previously held the same position with Rep. Hanabusa from 2011 to the end of Hanabusa’s term.