Kawakami[2] is an American politician serving as the eleventh Mayor of Kauai since December 3, 2018.

Kawakami previously served as a Kauai County Councilmember from 2016-2018 and 2008-2011 and as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from April 4, 2011 through November 8, 2016.

[3] Kawakami was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Hermina Morita to chair the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

Kawakami is a member of the Democratic Party.

Kawakami graduated from Kauaʻi Community College and earned his BA from Chaminade University of Honolulu.