honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, July 13, 2006

Maui land guardian Unemori, 89

 •  Obituaries

By Christie Wilson
Advertiser Neighbor Island Editor

Unemori

spacer spacer

WAILUKU, Maui — Motohisa "Mori" Unemori, a former pineapple farmer and state lawmaker who influenced some of Maui's land-use policies during the early years of resort development, died Saturday at his Kahului home. He was 89.

Unemori, a Democrat, served a single term in the state House of Representatives from 1970 to 1972, and made an unsuccessful bid for the Maui County Council in 1978. During his campaigns, he advocated for agriculture and protecting East Maui as a natural and cultural resource.

His greatest impact may have been as a member of the Maui Planning Commission in the 1960s, according to former Mayor Elmer Cravalho. With resort development looming in South and West Maui, Unemori was among a group of county leaders in the 1960s and '70s who established policies regarding beach access, building-height limits and preservation of rural lands.

"He was one of those early pioneers. He was down-to-earth and knew the practical applications and value of the environment and wise utilization of land," Cravalho said.

As an independent pineapple grower, Unemori was strong-minded and held to his convictions, said Howard Nakamura, who was county planning director from 1969 to 1975 and considered Unemori a mentor. "He was somebody you could talk to, but once he made up his mind, he stuck to his guns," he said.

Cravalho said Unemori's other legacy is his children and their families, who also are active in community affairs.

Daughter Jeanne Skog, head of the Maui Economic Development Board, said her father pushed for improvements to Ha'iku School and construction of community centers in Ha'iku and Pa'ia. She said he and his late wife, Sadako, placed a high value on family and education, putting four children through college even though Unemori didn't have a degree.

He was born May 25, 1917, in Kaupakulua, Maui. He graduated from Maui High School in 1934. After years of working for a large pineapple plantation, Unemori bought land in Peahi to start his own farm that at its peak comprised 350 acres, Skog said.

Unemori also is survived by daughters, Charlotte Kennedy and Faye Murayama; a son, Hilton; sisters, Grace Phillips, Tomiko Kono and Peggy Honda; brothers, Warren and David; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Makawao Hongwanji , with a service at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire. Ballard Family Mortuary is assisting with the arrangements.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.