Governor Abercrombie Appoints Kawakami to Kauai House Seat

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Kaua'i Councilman Derek S.K. Kawakami to represent House District 14 in the State House.  Mr. Kawakami fills the seat left vacant by Hermina Morita, who was appointed as Public Utilities Commission Chairwoman. 

House District 14 includes Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, and Waipouli.

“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,” Governor Abercrombie said.

Mr. Kawakami will leave his seat on the Kaua'i County Council where he is the Chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee.  He has served on the County Council since 2008.  Mr. Kawakami is owner and operator of Derek’s Cool Runnings Shave Ice and Vending.  He has served on various boards including the Kaua'i Police Activities League and the Lihue Business Association. 

A graduate of Kaua'i High School, Mr. Kawakami earned a BA in Business Administration from Chaminade University.

Once Mr. Kawakami’s resignation from the County Council is complete, he will be scheduled for his swearing in ceremony to represent District 14 in the State House of Representatives.

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