Takamine went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology while participating in the ethnic studies program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Takamine and his father played a key role in the controversial 1980s Kamehameha Schools (formerly Bishop Estate) decision to buy the Hamakua Sugar Company lands and then plant them in eucalyptus.
During one campaign he "went to bat" at the century-old local Kalanianaole Elementary and Middle School located on the Hamakua Coast.
Takamine and numerous other Democratic elected officials and candidates were photographed there by Hawaii Free Press photojournalists.
Dwight Takamine was elected November 4, 2008, as a candidate for the State Senate District 1 which includes Hilo, Hamakua, and Kamuela.
His opponent was Republican Ted Hong, a former member of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents and the former state labor negotiator.