Kawakami Selected to Fill Kauai House Vacancy

By Wendy Osher

Kauai sunset, file image by Wendy Osher.

Governor Neil Abercrombie announced the appointment today of Kaua’i Councilman Derek Kawakami to represent House District 14 in the State House.  Kawakami fills the vacancy left by Hermina Morita, who was appointed as Public Utilities Commission Chairperson.

“Derek has shown he is committed to public service and I believe he will do a great job of serving the people of Kauai in the House of Representatives,” said Gov. Abercrombie.

House District 14 includes Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, and Waipouli.  Kawakami was first appointed to the council in 2008, and currently serves as the Chair of the council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee. He is also owner and operator of Derek’s Cool Runnings Shave Ice and Vending.

Kawakami graduated from Kaua’i High School, and earned his BA in Business Administration from Chaminade University.

Kawakami will be sworn into office as a state Representative once his resignation from the County Council is complete.

***Supporting information courtesy Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii.