Derek Kawakami

Derek S.K. Kawakami is an American politician serving as the eleventh Mayor of Kauai since December 3, 2018. Kawakami previously served as a Kauai 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. Kawakami was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Hermina Morita to chair the Hawaii [Public Utilities Commission]. Kawakami is a member of the Democratic Party.

Education

Kawakami graduated from Kauaʻi Community College and earned his BA from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Elections

2012 Kawakami was unopposed for both the August 11, 2012 Democratic Primary, winning with 3,261 votes, and the November 6, 2012 General election.
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.