Daynette Sumie Puanani "Dee" Morikawa is a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing District 17 . She has served since 2011, initially in District 16 until 2022, and currently holds the position of House Majority Floor Leader since 2018, along with Vice Chair of the Legislative Management Committee. Notable achievements include chairing the Human Services Committee, vice-chairing the Health Committee, and serving on key committees such as Finance, Corrections/Military & Veterans, and Water & Land. Morikawa has over four decades of community involvement on Kaua‘i, including work in parks and recreation, youth sports coaching, and volunteering.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Kapa’a High School and Kahuku High School; AS in Accounting from Kauai Community College.
• Professional Experience: Personnel Specialist, County of Kauai Department of Parks and Recreation ; former Personnel Clerk, County of Kauai; Negotiator, Hawaii Government Employees Association; volunteer with Kokua Kokee and American Youth Soccer Organization .
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Hawaii House in 2010 ; reelected multiple times, including unopposed Democratic primary in 2012.
  • House Majority Floor Leader .
  • Current committees: Corrections/Military & Veterans, Finance, Water & Land, Vice Chair of Legislative Management.
  • Former roles: Chair of Human Services, Vice Chair of Health, member of Housing, Judiciary, Education, and others.
  • Priorities: Addressing aging infrastructure, including public schools, Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, and road maintenance.