RICHARD WASAI / 1932-2003
Teacher and legislator
helped save sign-waving
Richard Hidenori Wasai, a former teacher and legislator who helped ensure that political candidates could wave roadside campaign signs, has died. He was 70.
"His trademark was a sign that changed every day, a handmade bulletin board that he used to convey his positions, philosophy and interests," said his wife, Florence. "It seemed to get a lot of positive feedback."
The Kaneohe resident served two terms as a state representative, from 1970 to 1974, chairing the House Education Committee. When sign-waving was banned by the Legislature, Wasai joined in a suit to overturn the law.
The Lahaina native taught at public schools on the Big Island and at McKinley High School, and spent more than a decade as a counselor at Olomana School, which serves at-risk students.
"He was constantly looking for innovative ways to keep students interested in their work," Florence Wasai said. "He would catch them off guard with his humor."
Wasai, who died Friday of pneumonia, stayed active almost to the end. He regularly took five-mile walks around his neighborhood, clipped his hedges, and picked jabong (pomelo) to leave curbside for his neighbors.
"He was a very giving person, always willing to help people when they needed it," said Ruby Nagao, his sister-in-law. "He loved making people happy, making them laugh."
Wasai is also survived by his daughters Tamalyn and Joy Wasai, sisters Eiko Togo and Beverly Takahashi, and granddaughter Kira Young.
Services will be held at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin at 6 p.m. Friday, with visitation from 5 p.m. The family requests casual attire and no flowers.
