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Rep. Morihara chooses
By Rosemarie Bernardo
family over public life
Star-BulletinRep. David Morihara has decided not to seek re-election this year after a decade in the state House.
Instead, he will devote his time to helping his 79-year-old father, Shigeo, with personal affairs and continue running a three-generation family grocery store on Maui.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Upcountry Maui, as well as all the people of the State of Hawaii," said Morihara (D, Makawao) yesterday.
House Speaker Rep. Calvin Say said, "David Morihara is one of our best and brightest legislators. His leadership in higher education issues, high technology and agriculture leaves big shoes to fill."
Morihara played a major role in the Legislature's 1999 support of high-technology development in Hawaii. Morihara helped guide tax credits for investment in technology businesses as well as provided other incentives for Hawaii high-technology companies.
Morihara is currently chairman of the Higher Education Committee. He was instrumental in approving legislation to give the University of Hawaii autonomy and flexibility in handling its own affairs.
Morihara has also served as chairman of the Agriculture Committee in 1995-1996, where he supported farming and Hawaii-made products.
"I truly enjoyed working with David," said Sen. David Ige (D, Pacific Palisades). Morihara always put the priorities of the community first, Ige said.
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