Scott K. Saiki (born July 17, 1964) is an American attorney and politician. Since 1994, he has served as a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, representing the state's 26th district. He served as majority leader from 2013 to 2017. On May 4, 2017, he became speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives.[2]
Scott Saiki
| |
---|---|
![]() | |
11th Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives | |
Assumed office May 4, 2017 | |
Preceded by | Joseph M. Souki |
Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 25th district 20th (1994–2002) 22nd (2002–2012) 26th (2012–2022) | |
Assumed office November 8, 1994 | |
Preceded by | David Hagino[1] |
Personal details | |
Born | (1964-07-17) July 17, 1964 (age 60) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | University of Hawaii, Manoa (BA, JD) |
|
Saiki was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i on July 17, 1964 and grew up in Kailua, Hawaii.[3] He attended Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu.
Saiki earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1991.[3][4] In 1988, he was a student intern for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka.[5] As a law student, he advocated for requiring students to complete a pro bono program.[6]
After graduating from law school, Saiki worked as an attorney, practicing disability law and personal injury litigation.[4]
He is a former staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and assistant to state Representative David Hagino.[5]
In 1994, Saiki was first elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives to represent House District 20, an urban district spanning from Kapahulu to Moiliili.[4]
From 2013 to 2017, Saiki served as the majority leader. After Speaker Joe Souki resigned, Saiki was elevated to Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives on May 4, 2017.[4] In addition to serving in office, he continues to practice disability law.[3]
Saiki enjoys swimming.[8] He and his wife Patsy have a cat, Emi.[9]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Scott Saiki | 3,858 | 68.6 | |
Republican | Eric B. Marshall | 1,768 | 31.4 | |
Total votes | 5,626 | 100 |
In the 2016 election, Saiki ran unopposed in both the Democratic primary and general election.[10]
In the 2018 election, Saiki once again ran unopposed in both the Democratic primary and general election.[10]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Scott Saiki | 3,393 | 51.3 | |
Democratic | Kim Coco Iwamoto | 3,226 | 48.7 | |
Total votes | 6,619 | 100 |
In the 2022 Democratic Primary Saiki once again faced Kim Coco Iwamoto for the nomination. Due to redistricting Saiki was placed in the 25th District which contain Ala Moana and Kakaako. Saiki narrowly won with 51% of the vote. He faced Rob Novak in the general election.
Political offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by | Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives 2017–present |
Incumbent |