On April 1, 2011 Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Derek S.K. Kawakami to the Hawaii State House as the member representing the 14th House District of Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, and Waipouli. A vacancy in the 14th House District occurred when former Representative Hermina M. Morita was appointed by the Governor as the Chair of the State Public Utilities Commission.<BR><BR>

After resigning his Kauai County Council seat on April 5th, Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald administered the Oath of Office to Derek on April 6th at the twelve noon session in the House Chambers in Honolulu. <BR><BR>

Representative Derek Kawakami's family has a long history of public service, and is the third Kawakami to occupy a seat in the State House representing the Garden Isle.    He follows the legacy of the late-Speaker Richard A. Kawakami, and Representative Bertha Kawakami<BR><BR>

Representative Derek Kawakami is a graduate of Kauai High School and Kauai Community College.  He earned his BA in Business administration from Chaminade University.<BR>