Derek Kawakami
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derek S.K. Kawakami[1] is an American politician serving as the eleventh Mayor of Kauai since December 3, 2018. Kawakami previously served as a Kauaʻi County Councilmember from 2016–2018 and 2008–2011 and as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from April 4, 2011 through November 8, 2016.[2] Kawakami was appointed to the House by Governor Neil Abercrombie to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Hermina Morita to chair the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.[3] Kawakami is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Derek Kawakami | |
|---|---|
Kawakami in 2025 | |
| 11th Mayor of Kauai | |
| Assumed office December 3, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Bernard Carvalho |
| Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 14th district | |
| In office April 4, 2011 – November 8, 2016 | |
| Appointed by | Neil Abercrombie |
| Preceded by | Hermina Morita |
| Succeeded by | Nadine Nakamura |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 19, 1977 Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Kauai Community College (attended) Chaminade University (BA) |
| Website | Campaign website |
On March 17, 2026, Kawakami announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Hawaii in the 2026 Hawaii gubernatorial election.[4]
Education
Kawakami graduated from Kauai High School in 1996.[5] He attended Kauaʻi Community College and earned his BA from Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Personal life
Kawakami and his wife Monica have two children. He has a wrist tattoo that says "Moniquita" for his wife.[5]
He is the nephew of former Representative Richard Kawakami, a former Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, and former Representative Bertha Kawakami.[6]
Kawakami's father, Charles Kawakami, was a prominent businessman who was president of Big Save before it was sold to Times Supermarkets, and MFM, Inc. before it was sold to Aloha Petroleum.[7]
Elections
- 2012 Kawakami was unopposed for both the August 11, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,261 votes,[8] and the November 6, 2012 General election.[9]
- Elected Kauai Council Member November 8, 2016, coming in first with 15,990 votes.
- Elected Mayor of Kauai on November 6, 2018, defeating Mel Rapozo by a count of 16,797 to 7,969.
