Posted on: Friday, April 20, 2001

Committee endorses Morihara to PUC seat

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing yesterday unanimously endorsed the nomination of former Maui Rep. David Morihara to the Public Utilities Commission.

Morihara had served 10 years in the Legislature when he decided not seek re-election last year, saying he needed to work with his family's business on Maui. Gov. Ben Cayetano appointed him executive assistant for Technology, Marketing, and Development after Morihara finished his term.

In the Legislature, he served as chairman of the Higher Education and Agriculture committees and was involved in crafting laws to give University of Hawai'i autonomy and to attract more high-tech businesses to the state.

Commission Chairman Dennis Yamada supports the nomination, saying Morihara's "long-time commitment to public service in both the legislative and executive branches of state government has equipped him with invaluable policy-making and decision-making skills."

Morihara's nomination will be sent to the Senate for a floor vote.