Wayne Nishiki

From dKosopedia

Category: Hawaii Republicans

Wayne Nishiki, has been both a member of the Republican Party and the Democratic Part, was a popular and controversial member of the Maui County Council for 22 years.

He began his political career running for Lieutenant Governor against Jean King -- and narrowly losing, in 1978. His strategy was novel and was one of the first campaigns to utilize mass media in a Hawai'i campaign. His television logo was a slashing "Z" that turned to an "N". He also linked his campaign to the campaign of Frank Fasi who was running against George Ariyoshi on a measure of government reform. Fasi's campaign decided not to publicly condemn the connection because of its fear of losing votes. Nishiki narrowly lost.

In 1980, Nishiki ran for mayor in the special election for mayor when Elmer Cravalho abruptly resigned. Nishiki lost to Hannibal Tavares, an executive with Alexander and Baldwin. However, he went on to run for the Maui County Council where he served for 10 years.

He left the Maui County Council because of a 1992 Charter amendment provision preventing a councilmember from serving more than five consecutive full terms. His Council legislative aide, Michelle Anderson, endorsed by Nishiki, assumed his seat on the council in 2005.

Nishiki had an excellent environmental voting record.

Nishiki was kicked out of the Hawaii Democratic Party for endorsing close friend Rick Reed, who was running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate against Daniel Inouye. Although many Democrats during the period supported Republicans against Democrats and had received little or nor censure. Nishiki was censured and banned from the party for five years. Nishiki, however, became a successful member of the Republican Party on Maui. Nishiki, however, has been highly independent and endorsed and supported candidates who are pro-environment and pro-local culture.

Maui voters are forgiving of drunken-driving convictions, in part because of the disproportionate arrests of working class residents. Voters have also been forgiving because Nishiki had been the only councilmember to stand up to developers and big money interests.

Wayne Nishiki won re-election handily in 2002 despite two drunken-driving convictions in about four years. Nishiki said he was embarrassed and apologized to the community. [1]

Michelle Anderson announced that she would not be running for re-election because of family concerns. Wayne Nishiki announced he would run for his seat and Anderson has endorsed him.

A 1962 graduate of Kalani High School, Nishiki has been a Maui resident since the 70's. He has been married twice and has six children.

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External Links

• Nishiki finishes Council run -- Environmental issues were vital to him in his 22-year career (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1-2-05)