Nelson Secretario, who served as a member of the Kaua’i County Council from 1994 to 1996, is formally running for state representative in the newly-formed 14th House District. Secretario, a Republican, filed nomination papers with the county’s Elections Division Friday
Nelson Secretario, who served as a member of the Kaua’i County Council from 1994 to 1996, is formally running for state representative in the newly-formed 14th House District.
Secretario, a Republican, filed nomination papers with the county’s Elections Division Friday morning for the seat, which runs north from Wailua Houselots to Ha’ena.
Secretario was the first to file papers for that district. Mina Morita, a Democrat, is the current representative for the old 12th House District, a “canoe” district that encompasses the North Shore of Kaua’i and East Maui, including the rural town of Hana.
The district boundaries were changed when the state Reapportionment Commission last year voted to end canoe districting.
Kaua’i will still have three state House districts. The west side of Kaua’i will make up the 16th House District and the area from Puhi to Wailua Homesteads will make up the 15th House District.
The primary election will be held Sept. 21, followed by the general election Nov. 5.
Secretario said he is running for office because he wants to shrink government but still provide quality public service.
Secretario had voiced opposition to using the Hawai’i Hurricane Fund to balance the state budget for next year.
Secretario said he wants to get input from people in his election district on how to best use government funds.
Secretario also said the public school system is due for changes and supports ongoing efforts by the University of Hawai’i to attract federal and private grant funds.
Secretario also wants to help turn Hawai’i into an international destination for education and businesses.
During his two years on the Kaua’i County Council, Secretario chaired the Public Works Committee, pushing for improvements of county parks.
Secretario also worked with the state Department of Health, the American Cancer Association, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association in introducing a resolution urging a reduction of smoking among youths.
During Mayor JoAnn Yukimura’s administration, Secretario served a total of six years as a member and chairman of the Kaua’i Liquor Control Commission prior to being elected to the Council in 1994.
Secretario has been active with community affairs for more than 25 years, serving last year as president of the Rotary Club of Kapa’a.
In recent years, the Kaua’i County Council recognized the work of his organization after it was awarded the Hawaii State Rotary “Club of the Year Honors.”
Secretario has worked with community groups and churches from throughout the island since 1974.
Secretario entered the insurance business in 1971, earning three professional industry designations – chartered life underwriter, chartered financial consultant and life underwriter training council fellow.
Secretario has qualified for the “Million Dollar Round Table” status in the insurance industry.
Secretario is a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. Following military duty, he attended the University of Hawai’i and majored in business administration.
Secretario is married to Vikki Secretario, his wife of 29 years, and is the father of three grown children.
A fund-raiser for Secretario is scheduled at the Kapa’a Neighborhood Center from 3 to 6 p.m. on April 28. For more information, call 822-7324.
Staff Writer Lester Change can be reached at mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 225).
