John T. Ushijima
American politician
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John T. Ushijima (March 13, 1924 – August 13, 2006) was an American politician. He served as a member of the Hawaii Senate.
John T. Ushijima | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Hawaii Senate | |
| In office 1959–1982 | |
| President of the Hawaii Senate | |
| In office 1975–1978 | |
| Preceded by | David C. McClung |
| Succeeded by | Richard S.H. Wong |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 13, 1924 Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died | August 13, 2006 (aged 82) |
| Party | Republican Democratic |
| Alma mater | Grinnell College George Washington University Law School |
Life and career
Ushijima was born in Hilo, Hawaii. During the Second World War he served in Europe with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.[1][2] After the War, he attended Grinnell College and George Washington University Law School.[2]
Ushijima served in the Hawaii Senate[3] from Hawaii's first post-statehood election in 1959[4] until his retirement in 1982.[1] Ushijima rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Majority Leader for 1963–1964, Senate Vice President for 1971–1974, and Senate President for 1975–1978, while also chairing several Senate committees along the way.[5][6] While in the Senate, Ushijima supported legislation on health care, housing, and non-discrimination.[1][6] During the 1970s he also supported decriminalization of marijuana,[7] saying that "The enforcement of a statute against a victimless act is impossible".[8]
Ushijima later served on the Board of Regents for the state-wide University of Hawaii system.[1][2]
While Ushijima was at times[9] attested to be the brother of his fellow Hilo-based legislator, State Representative Charles T. Ushijima, other sources listed them as having separate parents.[10][11][12]
Ushijima died[1] on August 13, 2006, at the age of 82.
