Sean Quinlan (chinese name: 孔翔) was born in Hong Kong in 1982 to his father Bill Quinlan, from Australia, and his mother Rita Chang Quinlan, from Taiwan.  When he was one year old, they left Hong Kong for New York City and later the suburbs of Long Island, where he grew up.  Sean attended George Mason University near Washington D.C., until his senior year when he left school to connect with his roots and travel around China.

While living in Beijing Sean met and fell in love with his future wife Daniela, a Belgian citizen of Romanian descent.  During his time in China he worked as an ESL teacher and consulted on curriculum design.  After almost five years of living in China, Sean and Daniela moved to Oahu to be closer to his parents.

Sean then started a company wholesaling frozen drinks and coffees, with distribution on Oahu and the Big Island.  His customers ranged from big names like the Blaisdell Center, Hale Koa Hotel, and the Kroc Center, to numerous restaurants and convenience stores.  He sold the business in 2014, and is currently a partner in a web development firm.

During the last legislative session, Sean had the honor of interning for State Senator Gil Riviere (23rd District), where he saw firsthand what an effective and committed legislator is able to accomplish.  It was also an eye opening experience in regards to the broader systemic issues that plague our democracy.

In his free time, Sean raises chickens.  He is also an avid surfer, scuba diver, and a very poor fisherman. Sean is the Precinct 1 President of the District 47 Democratic Party, and a member of the North Shore Neighborhood Board's Parks Committee.