Nadine Kuniko Nakamura is a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing District 15 on east and north Kauaʻi from Wailua to Haena. A resident of Kapaʻa, she is a widow and mother of two sons, Casey and Reis. First elected in 2016 after incumbent Derek Kawakami's departure, she has won re-elections in 2020 , 2022 , and 2024. Notable achievements include becoming the first woman Speaker of the Hawaii House , co-founding the Hawaiʻi HomeOwnership Center to promote first-time homeownership, and co-developing the Kauaʻi Planning & Action Alliance for community collaboration. She previously served as Kauaʻi County Managing Director and Council Member , with expertise in urban planning, housing, and community development.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

- Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and Urban Planning, cum laude, University of Southern California

- Additional training: Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. Institutes, International City/County Managers Association, Council of State Governments Western Legislative Academy , and others in disaster preparedness and nonprofit management.

Political Experience:

- House Speaker

- Majority Leader

- Chair, House Committee on Housing; member of Judiciary, Transportation, Health & Human Services, Economic Development & Tourism, Finance, Legislative Management, and Human Services & Homelessness committees

- State Representative, District 15

- Prior roles: Kauaʻi County Managing Director , County Council Member , planning consultant , and various city/county planning positions in Honolulu .

Awards include 2021 Certificate of Merit for Ha’ena State Park remediation and 2007–2009 Outstanding Service to Kapaʻa Elementary School keiki.